The Commander of the Army Training Command (ATRAC), Brigadier General Joshua Amanor, has officially opened the United Nations Engagement Platoon training at the Army Peace Operations Training School (APOTS), Bundase.
In his opening remarks, Brigadier General Amanor described the Engagement Platoon as a critical force multiplier in complex operational environments. He emphasized that personnel require specialized skills to effectively interact with local communities and gather reliable situational awareness. He noted that successful peacekeeping extends beyond deployment, stressing the importance of interpersonal and community engagement in fulfilling the mandate of protecting civilians.
The ATRAC Commander expressed profound appreciation to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for their continued technical assistance and for sustaining the training package. He observed that what began as Female Engagement Teams has since evolved into a comprehensive, gender-mainstreamed Engagement Platoon model, now central to modern peace support operations. He urged participants to approach the course with seriousness and commitment, highlighting that the competencies to be acquired would significantly enhance operational effectiveness across all Units.
CAF Contingent Task Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Marc Gallant, underscored the specialised role of the Engagement Platoon, noting its strategic positioning in driving the implementation of key United Nations mandates. These include the protection of civilians, prevention and response to conflict-related sexual violence, and advancing the women, peace and security agenda. He described members of the Engagement Platoon as agents for change who engage vulnerable populations and provide commanders with ground-level intelligence essential for operational planning.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior officers including the Commander of APOTS, Colonel Reuben Dela Klutse; Commanding Officer UNISFA GHANBATT 5, Lieutenant Colonel Prince Nadom; Officer Commanding ESSMGB, Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Danful; Deputy Task Force Commander Captain Domingue Arseneau-Bruneau; and Task Force Sergeant Major Master Warrant Officer Jonathan Mailman.
Leave a Reply