From 14th November to 8th December, 4 members of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment (RG) deployed to The Gambia in support of the Gambian Armed Forces Training School (GAFTS). Major (Maj) Smith, Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Willis and WO2 Gonzalez (Reserves) deployed as instructors, supported by Corporal (Cpl) Pennyfather who deployed as medical support for the team. 

A statement from British Forces Gibraltar follows below:

Previously deployed training teams for the RG have delivered low level training and Train the  Trainer (T3) packages in support of the GAFTS. However, on this occasion the team was  looking to re-structure the school’s training modules. This ranged from basic training,  specialised weapons courses, and promotion courses up to Warrant Officer and Junior  Officer. This was to be achieved by conducting training needs analysis of each course and  restructuring to ensure the training school ran efficiently and effectively within the capability  and resources available. 

The course was attended by key personnel and instructors across the GAFTS to ensure  there was a wide variety of knowledge and experience to add valuable input to the re structure. The first week, the team collectively analysed the school’s training wings and basic  training modules. The aim was to have input from the instructors of the school as well as the  leadership to ensure that the changes were relevant to the GAF requirements. The second  week included analysis and design of promotion courses from Lance Corporal – WO2. The  final 2 days saw the training team producing staff work to support the new course designs  that had been analysed over the previous 2 weeks. This was an opportunity to showcase to  the GAF HQ the work that had been done along with the plans for change within the GAFTS.

Overall, the deployment was a great success and the first time the GAFTS had seen such a  change and re-structure. WO2 Willis said “The first thing we asked the training school staff  was when the last time they had implemented change. The answer was never. Therefore, it  was clear that we had to analyse the training as a collective and make their training relevant  and current. What was also great was that we had their input to influence this change.  Together I think we created a fantastic plan to move forward with the GAFTS.”