EUTM RCA launched. The first training courses put in place…
(BRUSSELS2) Just after its official launch, the new European mission, EUTM RCA, in charge of setting up the training of the army, began its work.
Initial training for 40 officers
Two courses for 40 Central African officers, platoon and company commanders were held in the second half of July. The training, mainly oriented towards leadership, made it possible – according to information collected by B2 – to detect several possible candidates to become trainers of trainers in turn. This program — called “train the trainers” — is the key to the mission. Must S' " ensure that the Central African armed forces (FACA) build their own future we explain on the European side. A positive fact, given the low level of preparation of Central Africans”.
Smooth transition with EUMAM RCA
This speed of setting up the first training courses is due to the good preparation with the previous mission, EUMAM RCA. " We cleared the ground », Explains its leader, General Laugel, before handing over to EUTM RCA. Since last January, EUMAM soldiers have indeed been preparing for the next mission. Relay facilitated by the fact that the mandates of the missions overlap: strategic advice, creation of a military curriculum, training of officers and non-commissioned officers (Read: The transition from EUMAM RCA to EUTM RCA validated by the 28).
No schedule yet for the battalions
For the formation of battalions, it takes a little longer. Because provide the Central African armed forces (FACA) with soldiers "fit for combat was not part of EUMAM's mandate. Everything must therefore be prepared from the beginning. For the moment, no timetable has been advanced. And the formation of the first battalion may not begin in September, as originally planned. But this does not overly worry European trainers. " The mandate provides for the formation of two to three battalions in two years “, that is to say 2000 men, we underline in Bangui. The priority is above all to establish collaboration on " good basics ", making sure to " respond to requests of Central Africans, rather than going too fast.
(Leonor Hubaut)
NB: The mission's HQ, as well as its training camp, bringing together 170 Europeans, are still based in the Central African capital within Ucatex. The same camp used by the EUMAM RCA mission, but with more than double the number of personnel, the mission finds itself more cramped than expected.
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