West Africa - SahelMissions Operations

EUTM Mali begins training the 4th battalion

European trainers and Malian soldiers lined up during the training start ceremony, this Wednesday, January 8 (Credits: EUTM Mali)
European trainers and Malian soldiers lined up during the training start ceremony, this Wednesday, January 8 (Credits: EUTM Mali)

(BRUSSELS2) The GTIA4, the fourth battalion of the Malian army, officially began its training at Koulikoro camp (north of Bamako). As for the first three battalions formed, European trainers will train Malian soldiers for 10 weeks. The first two weeks will be devoted to fundamentals, the basis of specialized training (infantry, engineering, commando, logistics, etc.). The training will conclude with three weeks of exercises by specialty and a final summary exercise for the entire battalion.

Comment (NGV): This is the end of the first training cycle of EUTM Mali which will have ensured, as planned a year ago, the training of four battalions of the Malian army. At the time, some comments had cast doubt on this European ability to carry out its task within the deadlines and within the formats. The reality was quite different. The EUTM Mali mission will also be extended to ensure a new training cycle.

Leonor Hubaut

© B2 - Bruxelles2 is a French online media that focuses on political Europe (powers, defence, foreign policy, internal security). It follows and analyzes developments in European policy, unvarnished and without concessions. Approved by the CPPAP. Member of SPIIL. Please quote "B2" or "Bruxelles2" in case of recovery Leonor Hubaut is a journalist. Graduated in international relations from the Free University of Brussels (specialization in globalization). She covers for B2 the work of the European Parliament, CSDP missions and African issues. Sahel specialist.

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