An Cosantóir

25 MALI). Historically, EUTM's past has been focused on centralised training within the vicinity of the country's capital BAMAKO but the exigencies of the current situation in the country and the dislocation of fighting troops has required EUTM to become expeditionary meaning EUTM have re-located closer to the areas of conflict. Ireland has supported EUTM with professional military trainers since February 2013. Twenty (20) Irish staff, from Military Trainers, Logisticians, Information Technology experts and Executive Officers make up the team. This team works alongside twenty-four (24) other European countries in an attempt to achieve the EUTM Mission Statement, "To contribute to the improvement and capabilities of the Malian Armed Forces." For the Irish members of the training cell, it's a two-hour flight NORTHEAST to the selected training location. This particular training mission will be EUTM's first DDR Training commitment. DDR KIDAL Company, the student group, ex-combatants from the Northern Region, are plagued with unrest and violence. The Training area itself is a Malian Armed Forces Camp, outside GAO or GAWGAW city, a historically important commercial centre for trans African Trade, 320km EAST of TIMBUKTU on the banks of the River Niger, a gateway town to the Sahara and as Sgt Gerry O'Gorman from CAHIR reminds me, "A long way from TIPPERARY". Sgt Jerry O'Sullivan and Lt Eamonn Hennessy complete the Irish Contribution to the task in GAO. It would be misleading of me to even hint that it's a strictly Irish affair. Latvia, Lithuania and Germany provide the remaining Training Staff, Spain provide a security element which allows the trainers to concentrate on their task, whilst an ex-British Forces Sgt and a Ukrainian Doctor provide us with medical cover. It's a mixing pot of personalities and culture that somehow works. For the soldiers of The KIDAL Coy, Casualty Care under fire can be the difference between life and death, Sgt O'Gorman covers the basics. Military Orders and Planning focuses Junior Leaders on the task ahead Knowing where you are and knowing where to go, the ability to navigate is a soldier essential. Sgt Jeremiah O'Sullivan from Cork, honing topography skills with Junior Leaders of the DDR KIDAL Coy RAISING KIDAL

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