Somali forces are being equipped with the skills to detect and dispose explosive ordnance
Training from a consortium led by Allen-Vanguard will equip Somali personnel with skills to detect and dispose of explosive ordnance effectively.
Allen-Vanguard is the prime contractor with SKK International and Artios Global delivering the logistics and training aspects of the explosive threat reduction training team (ETRT) courses to the Somali National Army and the Somali Police Force.
Allen-Vanguard has delivered two explosive threat reduction training team (ETRT) courses to the Somalian National Security Forces.
The training intends to improve Somalia’s capability to detect and destroy explosive ordnance (EO) and conduct improvised explosive device disposal (IEED).
The training package included a detailed theory, individual foundation skills, integrated team training, scenario-based exercises and summative assessments.
“So far, numerous Somali security force personnel have successfully passed the training, creating sufficient capability to generate multiple ETRTs; each with specialists trained in specific roles for search (detect) and explosive ordnance disposal (destroy) culminating in an operational capability that will be put to great use,” the company added.
The courses are said to have followed international practice and met United Nations Mine Action Services (UNMAS) IEDD standards.
Allen-Vanguard director of business development Bobby Strawbridge said in a statement: ‘Through a number of channels, we have been working closely with Somalia Security Forces for some time to help detect, protect and defeat the considerable explosive threats they face.’
Cam Baldry, the Artios PM leading the delivery summarized the training by saying, “the Somali security forces are fully aware of the security environment they face and were eager to learn and adopt this new capability. They were extremely well motivated and keen to learn. We were impressed at their professionalism and diligence and are confident that they’ll implement these new skills and techniques to great operational effect”.