A British Army training team has concluded a six week training course with Gambia Armed Forces United Nations peacekeepers. 

The training is part of a series of Gambia Armed Forces (GAF)-British Army partnered training, to support UN operations.

The course covered protection on civilians, gender advice, countering Improvised Explosive Devices, infantry tactics, the employment of armoured vehicles and medical first aid training. 

The training is as carried out by a British army team from 3 SCOTS (3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland) led by Captain Andrew Duff. 

The 3 SCOTS is a security force assistance battalion base in Fort George,Inverness, Scotland. 

Captain Duff said the partnership in training had been a great success and that the GAF UN Company were experienced, skilful and a joy to train with.

He added that the 3 SCOTS team had to work hard to expand the training syllabus as Gambian soldiers did far better than expected. 

He said he would happily serve on the same UN operation as Gambian soldiers, knowing how good they were and how well they would protect each other’s lives. 

The British Defence Adviser, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Cooper, representing the British High Commissioner, commented on the instability in the world and its impact on human lives and how important UN deployments were to protect civilians and bring peace and order. 

He highlighted the Gambian Armed Forces good record on peacekeeping operations, adding that their dedication to duty and good character would lead to continued success.