36 GAF officers trained in leadership

The International Military Advisory Training Team (IMATT) of the British Army based in Sierra Leone in collaboration with the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) last Friday ended a week-long leadership training for thirty-six members of GAF held at the Fajara Barracks.

The forum meant to sensitize officers of their leadership role, also availed a platform to educate, teach and implement up to date military doctrines based on demand, and fill in gaps for a common strategy in the region. 

Speaking at the closing ceremony, deputy Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Major General Ousman Badjie, described the event as another milestone in the sustenance of their bilateral role as partners in progress.

“IMATT plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of that relationship between GAF and the British Army,” he said. 

Deputy CDS Badjie implored the officers to make every attempt to capture all the facts, adding that “it prepares you not to succumb to the future shocks of your chosen career to bear responsibities with open zeal and vigour.”

Speaking earlier, Saikou Njie, school commander, underscored the importance of the training, noting that it has greatly enhanced their understanding of the manoeuvrist approach to warfare, as well as the combat estimates.

“The training will go a long way in improving our service delivery at various levels in the Gambia Armed Forces,” he stated.

The school commandaer further recommended that GAF should continue to encourage such type of in-country training from IMATT.

“Courses of this nature will assist in no small measure to build the capacities of our officers and make them more effective,” he added, noting that similar opportunities should be extended to the NSO corp so as to strike a balance between leaders and the led in terms of military knowledge.

Lt. Col. Sundey Sundeland, Director Horton Academy, thanked Chief of Defence Staff Masaneh Kinteh for allowing them to come and impact their knowledge, adding that Gambian authorities have recognized the input of the sub-regional course.

Speaking to reporters, Col. Jamie Martin, IMATT commander in Sierra Leone, alluded that their principal role is to support and advise the Sierra Leone armed forces.

He noted that they have also increased their sub-regional approach by extending their training opportunities to other countries, including ECOWAS countries such as The Gambia and Liberia.

Certificates were awarded to participants at the end of the ceremony

The in-country training course was centered on functions of combat, core functions of combat, the principles of war, offence and defence operations, and ethmanoeuvrist approach, among others.