Allen-Vanguard provides Explosive Threat Reduction Team training to Somalia Security forces.

Allen-Vanguard, a global leader in providing customized solutions for defeating Radio Frequency based terrorist and extremist threats, has delivered Explosive Threat Reduction Team (ETRT) training courses to Somalia security forces personnel. The innovative courses are designed to enhance Somalia’s indigenous capability to detect and destroy Explosive Ordnance (EO) and conduct Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD).
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Allen-Vanguard personnel provides Explosive Threat Reduction Team (ETRT) training courses to Somalia security forces. (Picture source Allen-Vanguard)

The consortium consisting of Allen-Vanguard (prime contractor), SKA International (logistics) and Artios Global Ltd (training) has delivered two ETRT courses to the Somali National Army and Somali Police Force to create the capacity for them to detect and destroy items of EO and safely mitigate the IEDD threat.

The course design followed international best practice for training and learning, employed a detailed training management plan and met the necessary high-level training objectives to ensure full compliance with United Nations Mine Action Services (UNMAS) IEDD standards; they also aligned with potential future UNMAS IEDD training requirements. The comprehensive training package included detailed theory, individual foundation skills, integrated team training, scenario-based exercises and summative assessments. So far, numerous Somali security force personnel have successfully passed the training, creating sufficient capability to generate multiple ETRTs; each with specialists trained in specific roles for search (detect) and explosive ordnance disposal (destroy) culminating in an operational capability that will be put to great use.

Bobby Strawbridge, Director of Business Development said “our consortia are delighted with the outcome of this ground-breaking capability development within the Somali Security Forces. Through a number of channels, we have been working closely with Somalia Security Forces for some time to help detect, protect and defeat the considerable explosive threats they face. We are traditionally known for our world-class ECM hardware and software solutions. However, this venture demonstrates Allen-Vanguard’s agility, experience and expertise to create innovative solutions to defeat a wider range of explosive threats, and our ability to successfully partner with other high-quality organisations to meet our customers’ needs.”

The course was exceptionally well received both by the Somali security personnel and the international military personnel overseeing the training. Cam Baldry, the Artios PM leading the delivery summarized the training with “the Somali security forces are fully aware of the security environment they face and were eager to learn and adopt this new capability. They were extremely well motivated and keen to learn. We were impressed at their professionalism and diligence and are confident that they’ll implement these new skills and techniques to great operational effect”.