| Al Muthanna Task Group | |
|---|---|
 Australian soldiers supported by an ASLAV-25 patrol along a railway line near Camp Smitty during routine foot patrols in Al Muthanna Province | |
| Active | 2005–2006 |
| Country | Australia |
| Branch | Australian Army |
| Type | Battlegroup |
| Size | ~450 personnel |
| Engagements | Iraq War |
TheAl Muthanna Task Group (AMTG) was abattlegroup that formed Australia's main ground force contribution to theMultinational force in Iraq. The AMTG was established in April 2005 and ceased to exist in July 2006 when the Australian force was relocated toDhi Qar Governorate asOverwatch Battle Group (West).
The Al Muthanna Task Group had two tasks:
The AMTG was made up of around 450 personnel and consisted of:
There were three rotations of troops into the AMTG. The initial force operated in Iraq between April and November 2005 and was commanded by the 2nd Cavalry Regiment's headquarters. The second rotation arrived in Iraq in November 2005 and was commanded by 5/7 RAR's headquarters. The final rotation arrived in May 2005 and was commanded by 2 RAR's headquarters.
The AMTG was highlymechanised and operated 40 Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) and 10Bushmasters. While the first two AMTG rotations were largely drawn from1 Brigade, the third rotation was drawn from both3 Brigade and7 Brigade.
Members of the training teams were drawn from across theAustralian Defence Force. Their ranks range from private to lieutenant colonel.
While the AMTG was initially only deployed for two 6-month rotations, the Australian government announced in March 2006 that the deployment would be extended until at least the second half of 2007.[3] Upon the withdrawal of Japanese reconstruction troops the Australian force was transferred toTallil Airbase inDhi Qar Governorate. The role of the Task Group changed to providing support toIraqi forces as requested. The Task Group was renamed theOverwatch Battle Group (West).[4][5]