In the last couple of months various training courses have been run by British soldiers for the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) in their new, UK-funded £500,000 training facility in the country's capital city, Kinshasa.
100 Congolese signals officers recently benefited from HF (High Frequency) and VHF (Very High Frequency) signals training given by Warrant Officer Class 2 (Yeoman of Signals) Jimmy Samuel and a team of six trainers from 14 Signal Regiment, while Warrant Officers Class 2 (Regimental Quartermaster Sergeants) Luke Biggs and Andy Wright from the School of Logistics at 25 Training Regiment, Deepcut, conducted basic trainer-training courses with 75 instructors from the FARDC's Logistics School.
And in May a team of three trainers from HQ Royal Logistic Corps Volunteers based in Grantham conducted a tailored training course in the storage and handling of weapons and ammunition for 100 Congolese soldiers.
Mark Nandi, First Secretary British Embassy Kinshasa, said at the graduation ceremony for the successful trainees:
"Logistics and signals are the foundations of an effective and well-functioning armed force. The UK is extremely proud to be supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo with this training."
Some of the training took place during a visit by US General William E Ward, Commander of US Africa Command. General Ward commented on the necessity of the training, and mentioned specifically the need for monitoring, evaluation, and continuing support during a meeting with Lieutenant Colonel Tim Woodman RLC, the UK Defence Attaché in the Democratic Republic of Congo, who said:
"The British Army is proud not just of the training but of the conduct, attitude, and actions of these soldiers overseas."
The training given in May by three Territorial Army logisticians was led by Major Bill Scott, with support from Warrant Officer Class 1 Bridget Miller and Warrant Officer Class 2 Stephen Jones.
Sixty-seven of the trainees are themselves trainers at the FARDC's Logistics School, and will cascade the training to future generations of Congolese logisticians; the remaining thirty-three trainees were officers from the FARDC's Ordnance Division and the National Police.
At the end of the courses all training materials were handed over to the FARDC and Police Trainers and they are already putting to use the skills and knowledge they developed through the course as logistics courses commenced the week after the trainers departed for the United Kingdom.
Lt Col Tim Woodman has been leading the international community in providing much needed basic training for the FARDC. He said:
"The Territorial Army has been a key part of the British Army for over 100 years, and it's very pleasing to see the TA playing an integral role in our external military co-operation.
"The training team has succeeded in transferring practical skills in a very innovative and interactive manner; it's testament to the work of Major Scott and the team that we've already been requested to repeat the training."
This view was echoed by Terence Robins, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Kinshasa. He said:
"The Territorial Army is a great example of the professionalism, valour, and commitment within the British Army. I am proud to see the Territorial Army playing its part in strengthening relations for the UK overseas, and helping us build a stronger relationship of mutual trust with our Congolese colleagues."
In the future the United Kingdom will continue to support the FARDC as it rebuilds its Armed Forces - it is currently refurbishing their logistics school and assisting with the design of their future communications network.