The formation of the second battalion begins in Koulikoro
(BRUSSELS2) The first elements of the new battalion which will be trained by the Europeans of the EUTM Mali mission have arrived, or are about to arrive, at the Koulikoro camp, confirmed this morning, General de Rousiers, head of the military of the EU, in front of some journalists (including B2). The number of soldiers of this second battalion should reach " about 700 men, the same format as the first battalion ". About 60% of the troops have already arrived, the others will arrive in the next two weeks, from the north, once the Waraba battalion has taken over (see below).
A proven training principle
The training begins today (June 26) and ends around the end of September (normally the 22nd). The principle is the same as for the first battalion: formation and incorporation on the model " of a GTIA - combined arms tactical groups - which is composed of the various elements " to be able to work together (infantry, artillery...)". " We don't just train individuals, we train an entire battalion, an entity capable of operating as a whole." explains General De Rousiers. The name of the battalion is not yet determined. According to our information, it should be determined internally by the Malians (and the Malian General Staff).
Direction Gao for the "Waraba"
As for the Waraba battalion which finished its training at the beginning of June, after a two-week leave and a regrouping on Koulikoro, it began its movement towards Gao (as specified on this blog before). The count is pretty much there, “ we are at 98% of the workforce an officer told B2. " Which is a good number ". The area where the "Waraba" will operate is quite large since it covers not only the city but also the province of Gao which borders the province of Kidal. They will be followed by a team of French trainers from Operation Serval. It's not "mentoring" in the Afghan style, we take great care to specify on the European side. But a " accompagnement ". The battalion is closely observed on the European side. Because it is a life-size test and the "feedback" could guide the course of subsequent training.
Read also: The "Waraba" battalion is formed. He leaves Koulikoro. But without drums or trumpets
