This Anzac Day, 30 year old air force pilot, Squadron Leader Nathan Thompson, and 32 year old Army artillery officer, Captain Nathan Small, will walk the same ground on deployments in Iraq.

Both men are deployed with Task Group Taji 4, a combined force of Australian and New Zealand defence force personnel.

There are about 300 Australians and 100 New Zealanders in the task group.

As part of Operation Okra, Australia’s contribution to the international coalition effort against Daesh, also known as ISIS, the task group’s role is to train and mentor Iraqi Security Forces. 

“This is my first deployment to the Middle East. It’s a great opportunity,” Squadron Leader Thompson, the Air Liaison Officer for the task group, said.

“I’m using the knowledge that I’ve built over time as an air force pilot, to support the ground forces’ training efforts.

“I’m using that experience to create optimum air effects for Task Group Taji 4 in Iraq.”

With 14 years’ service behind him, Squadron Leader Thompson has flown aircraft throughout the South-West Pacific and South-East Asian regions.

He was inspired to join the air force after watching F/A-18 aircraft fly over the Raymond Terrace Roosters rugby league fields.

In 2001, he was featured in the Examiner after being awarded an Australian Defence Force Academy scholarship.

For Captain Small, the air force also had a role in shaping his Army career. 

“I have lived in a few places my life due to growing up in a military family – my father was in the RAAF,” he said.

“I always had the desire to join the military, and was honoured to be selected as an officer in the Royal Australian Artillery Corps.

“The army has given me fantastic opportunities to see Australia, United States and now the Middle East.”

Captain Small is working in an advise and assist role with Task Group Taji 4, providing military expertise to the Iraqi Army’s Northern Baghdad Operational Command.

“They’re responsible for local security on the northern approaches into Baghdad,” he said.

“I am fortunate to immerse myself in Iraqi culture daily, sharing their highs and lows inherent to operations whilst assisting to defeat the Daesh terrorist group.”

Growing up, Captain Small attended Soldiers Point Primary School and then Nelson Bay High before moving to Tomaree Education Centre when it was built.

After he was commissioned as an officer at The Royal Military College Duntroon in June 2012, he was posted to 8th/12th Artillery Regiment in Darwin.

“On the rare occasion I am back home, I love visiting my family and hanging out on the beach that you can swim in – unlike Darwin,” Captain Small said.

Squadron Leader Thompson said he is also looking forward to visiting his hometown at the end of his deployment.  

“The dust of Iraq is a far cry from the green fairways of the Muree Golf Club,” he said.

“I remember camping and fishing on Stockton Beach as a child and I’ve been doing that with my family in the Northern Territory.

“I want my sons to have those opportunities too.”

While both officers look forward to returning home, each said they are proud to be serving their country on Anzac Day this year.

“It may be somewhat difficult to be away from family and friends for a long period of time,” Captain Small said.

“But I am extremely honoured to be representing my country on operations, especially on Anzac Day.”