Page 14 - Bugle Autumn 2023

2 RIFLES
Teaching the basics
ZAMBATT
From April to July a team from C Company, with attachments from 1 CG and medical personnel, deployed to Zambia to assist with the pre-deployment training (PDT) of ZAMBATT IX prior to their deployment on the United Nations Multi-Dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission to the Central African Republic. The training was also supported by contractors from the US Global Peace Operations Initiative and, in the last two weeks, French Paratroopers. ZAMBATT deploys to deliver peace support operations in the north of the country, with its primary mandate being the protection of civilians.
The PDT was largely delivered from the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre (KKPTC) around 40km from the capital city, Lusaka. KKPTC has ambitions of becoming a centre of excellence in preparing soldiers for peacekeeping missions and as such the 2 RIFLES team was largely focussed on coaching and mentoring the centre’s instructors to deliver a lasting effect. The training audience
was made up of over 1,000 Zambian soldiers, ranging in rank from private to Lieutenant Colonel and varying in experience from fresh out of training to veterans with multiple tours of the Central African Republic under their belt.
The package began with a four week round-robin style skills package covering a variety of skills including patrolling, navigation, counter-IED, first aid and the orders process.
2 RIFLES personnel were assigned to a Company throughout this phase and built
an excellent rapport with the instructors and students. The lessons were Zambian led with UK personnel offering advice and delivering specific lessons as requested. Our JNCOs helped to fine tune the Zambian’s low-level skills, offering input on contact drills and patrol formations while the SNCOs and myself mainly worked with the officer cohort, mentoring them through the delivery of orders and giving another perspective on the planning process.
After a busy four weeks, ZAMBATT then undertook a Command Post (CP) Exercise
14 RIFLES The Bugle
An impressive set of orders,
IC moss collection still missing...
the 2 RIFLES team was largely focussed on coaching and mentoring the centre’s instructors to deliver a lasting effect
Introduction to break contact drills
Charismatic instruction and an audience ready to learn