By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK
The American government, through the African Contingency Operations Training and Assistance programme (ACOTA), recently delivered the first container of equipment destined for Namibian Defence Force peacekeeping training at a handover ceremony in Rundu.
The equipment, valued at nearly US$500 000, includes generators, computers, soldier gear, communications equipment and other items to assist with peacekeeping training.
The NDF and the United States-partnered ACOTA programme seek to develop and enhance peacekeeping training for the NDF, agreed on in September 2006.
The first round of field training took place in Rundu during June and July.
American trainers taught 261 Battalion staff officers between June 11 and July 6.
The US trainers continued the ACOTA training with the 261 Battalion soldiers, from July 9 to 27.
ACOTA is a partnership between the United States government and African militaries to enhance their abilities to conduct peace support operations.
The ACOTA programme involves a “train-the-trainer” concept that typically includes two years of training and equipping of individual peacekeepers, squads, platoons, companies and battalions in the field.
Once trained, such troops may then be quickly and easily mobilized, transported, deployed and logistically supported at minimal additional costs.
Namibia is one of the newest ACOTA partners, joining Benin, Botswana, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Zambia.