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At first shock and fear, but the media embed training in Iraq taught Elizabeth Creasy some important lessons.

Elizabeth Creasyis spending four days embedded with Task Group Taji in Iraq. The combined Australian-New Zealand military training group is assisting Iraqi soldiers and police officers in the fight against ISIS.

Oh my God, no!

That was my mums reaction when I told her, in a few weeks time, Id be travelling to Iraq to report on Australias involvement in the war.

Her mind went straight to ISIS, kidnappings, beheadings

I understood why she was so worried. I was worried too. This would be my first media embed in a war zone. But as it turns out, this was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

A four-day intensive media embed training in Iraq taught some surprising lessons. (Supplied: Elizabeth Creasy)

I was safely stationed with Task Group Taji, following them as they carried out their mission to train Iraqi soldiers, who would then return to the battlefield to take on ISIS with new skills and a better chance of survival.

I was on the ground for just four days, but in that short time I was able to meet local Iraqis who shared their stories of loss at the hands of ISIS and now hope, in part, thanks to the Australian Defence Force.

Speaking to these humble, proud and passionate people opened my eyes to a world I have never really understood.

Often when we hear about war we become desensitised to the suffering of the community. This trip showed me there are real people being killed and injured every day by ISIS and there are even more who are fighting back.

So many young men who have been forced to flee their homes in Mosul are now joining the army or the police force to help take back what was stolen from them.

I also witnessed something us Aussies go on about almost every day mateship.

The Australian soldiers on the ground in Iraq spend every single day training the local forces. But theyre also forming friendships and changing lives; helping to liberate this war-torn country.

Members of Task Group Taji. (Supplied: Elizabeth Creasy)

Most of them are young men in their early to mid-twenties - but they show maturity beyond their years. Their dedication to their mission is absolute.

Many have learnt Arabic in an effort to show respect to the locals and open up communication. It doesnt go unnoticed.

During my embed one senior officer told the soldiers: You are Australias best ambassadors, you will uphold our countrys reputation just by doing your job.

He was right.

READ MORE: Milestones and military life with Task Group Taji

READ MORE: Meeting the Australians behind the fight against ISIS

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