# Paramount Group set-up new training division, acquires Burnham Global

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2021/01/paramount-group-set-up-new-training-division-acquires-burnham-global/
- Published: 2021-01-14T10:28:59+01:00
- Author: Sarah Lesedi

South African-based Paramount Group has set-up a new division that will provide 
advanced training solutions for modern day ‘concept of operations’ and battlefield
management to governments experiencing rising security challenges such as terrorism,
violent extremism and insurgencies.

According to Paramount on 11 January, the new division, called Paramount Advanced
Training and Support, will consolidate the Group’s existing global training, support
and skills development capabilities across its land, sea and air operations.

To enhance the new division’s capability. Paramount Group took a “strategic ownership
stake” in Dubai-based defence services provider Burnham Global. The Dubai-based 
firm was established in April 20 from part of the UK-based Risk Advisory’s Government
Services unit.

Burnham Global which specializes on capacity-building training and mentoring for
armed forces I areas such as counter-terrorism and counter-IED training, staff officer
training, and border security development has gathered experience in European, UK,
and US-funded projects in Lebanon, Jordan, and Uganda.

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combining the skills development expertise of Burnham Global with Paramount Group’s
advanced technologies and training capabilities will enable the new division to 
offer militaries and police forces an integrated solution for the optimal performance
of systems and personnel in an era of rising asymmetrical threats and conflicts.

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The wide range of training and support capabilities of the new division will cover
modern battlefield strategies and management, the development of ‘concept of operations’,
special forces operations support, pilot and vehicle operator training and medical
training. This will enable governments to implement strategies that will strengthen
connected battlefield operations, reduce risk and threats to armed personnel and
minimise collateral damage. 

Alison Crooks, CEO of Paramount Industrial Holdings stated added: “For decades, 
Paramount has been at the forefront of supporting customers combating asymmetrical
warfare on the continent and around the world. In recent years, we have seen a growing
training and support requirement from governments facing threats from rising insurgencies
and terrorism.

“The complex and multi-domain environment of the modern battlefield requires a specialised
set of skills that will ensure the effective integration of land, sea and air operations.
Our investment in Burnham Global combines complementary skills and experience in
equipping armed forces with the required capabilities and highest possible training
standards to optimise their success on the modern battlefield.”

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“We are very excited to join the Paramount family,” said Founder of Burnham Global,
Gary Wood. “We started working with Paramount because we view them as a world leader
in the defence sector, and we are excited to deepen our relationship. Combining 
our expertise in skills development for security forces with Paramount’s solutions
in combating asymmetrical threats allows us to build lasting, sustainable capabilities
within militaries and police forces. This combination will provide our government
partners with the ability to address their challenges in a lasting and sustainable
fashion that respects the human rights of non-combatants.”

Paramount Group has established itself as one of the world’s leaders in the design
and manufacturing of advanced technologies and equipment including aircraft, armoured
vehicles and naval vessels. The integration of such equipment into end-user systems
and the long-term training, support and maintenance are at the core of the Group’s
customer-centric solutions.

Wood added: “Burnham Global’s programmatic work is guided by a strict ethical code
and adheres to the highest international standards. All of the training we conduct
is focused on ensuring the recipient, whether soldier or police officer, is cognisant
of his or her responsibilities to respect human rights and human dignity. It is 
important to emphasise that we operate strictly in a support capacity. Neither Paramount
nor Burnham play any role in conducting or assisting combat operations. Only sovereign
security services have the legitimacy to conduct operations.” 

Paramount Group already operates a number of training facilities, including its 
specialised training facility in the North West which trains special operators, 
K9 handlers and rapid intervention forces. It also offers training in IED and EOD
Detection, advanced life support and trauma and medical support. At its facilities
at Wonderboom National Airport and Polokwane International Airport, the Group operates
rotary and fixed wing training facilities providing pilot and technical training
for police and air forces.

Crooks concluded: “More and more governments are realizing that this enhanced training
boost the overall performance of the equipment and personnel. Our training facilities
are world-class and provide solutions to a wide array of personnel as well as ‘train-
the-trainer’ programmes. We are looking to extend these capabilities and develop
other training facilities around the world.”

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