An Cosantóir

EUTM | 19 whom lack any previous military experience - learn to dress, act and behave as disciplined and professional soldiers. They are trained to be part of a cohesive military framework in formal company-sized infantry units. At the culmination of each training period, from the raw material that arrived six- months earlier four combat-ready units are ready to make their contribution to the safety and security of their homeland. Over two thousand graduates of this training have already been en- gaged in operations with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), demonstrating true professionalism and making a significant contribution in the fight against the terrorist group, Al Shabaab. In an important development in late 2011, the mission expanded its curriculum to include a 'train the trainers' programme. This has enabled suitable NCOs to receive fur- ther training in instructional skills. These specially selected individuals will, in time, form the core of the SNAF's training capability, passing on their knowledge to the next genera- tion of Somali soldiers. Beyond the formation of effective fighting units, however, necessary requirements for a successful training environment. Setting it up in the isolated Ugandan province of Ibanda was an ambitious project, both from a construction point of view as well as logistically. Today, however, EUTM Somalia operates in a well equipped training camp, with excellent accommoda- tion, modern medical facilities, its own airstrip, a firing range, and a FIBUA village, as well as an abundance of open space for exercises. Importantly, its relative isolation eliminates any unwanted distractions for the recruits during their training. The intensive training period lasts for six long and demand- ing months. During this time the recruits - the majority of July 2012 as part of Operation 'Crested Star III'. This took place after a rigorous selection process had been carried out in Mogadishu to ensure there were no underage recruits and only those who were physically capable arrived in Uganda to begin their training. As part of the same operation, 600 fully trained personnel were returned to Somalia where they were integrated into the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) who, along with their African allies, are now making a real difference to the security situation on the ground. Bihanga Training Camp is a superb facility, with all the located 280kms west of Kampala, just north of the equator. Another 550 are currently undergoing the same programme. This has been achieved in close co-operation with the Ugan- dan People's Defence Force (UPDF) and with the support of the United States and the African Union. The challenge has been to deliver this training, through the use of interpreters, to young men and women with a poor educational background, far away from their home environment. EU instructors, drawn from 12 of the member states, including Ireland, are commit- ted to playing their part in achieving this and helping to restore peace in Somalia through the supply of well trained security forces. (In the past few months, EUTM Somalia made another step forward in terms of manpower when the first Serbian military officer to deploy on a CSDP operation was welcomed to the headquarters in Kampala.) The most recent Somali intake of 551 reached the camp in the training also aims to promote good citizenship and a feel- ing of national pride and belonging. This is perhaps the most ambitious goal that EUTM sets out to achieve; to instil respect for the rule of law as laid down in their national constitution, as well as an understanding of the rights of non-combatants, women and children. EUTM Somalia fosters these ideals throughout the course in a series of specific lessons on human rights and gender awareness. In summary, EUTM Somalia has proved to be a highly effec- in 2013, subject to the approval of the EU's member states, one only has to look to the success of this small contingent to date for justification of its continuance. Delivering big results as well as value for money, the Defence Forces has overseen a successful mandate and has truly left its mark on this mission. Through its work the children of So- malia can at last hope for a brighter future. tive element in the EU's comprehensive approach to solving a problem that is as vast and complex as that of restoring peace to Somalia. During a recent briefing in Kampala for a delega- tion of ambassadors, consuls and defence attachés of ten EU nations, Mission Commander Colonel Michael Beary, outlined the significant progress that has been made during the current mandate. The contribution of EUTM-trained men and women has made a very real difference on the ground and their profes- sionalism has been favourably reported upon in many quar- ters. He highlighted gains that SNAF and AMISOM have made during recent months, particularly in and around Mogadishu and later in Kismayo. Hopefully, this will all help towards form- ing an enduring solution to the problems faced in the Horn of Africa. With EUTM Somalia hoping to embark on a third mandate www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE

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