U.S. Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA), Brazilian special operations forces, and U.K. military advisors joined forces with the Malawi Defence Force under the Global Peace Operations Initiative. This training, part of a series of Peace Support Operations Training sessions, was designed to prepare the Malawi Battalion for its mission in the U.N. peacekeeping efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The program kicked off with an intensive Jungle Warfare (JW) training session, focusing on collective tactical skills through rigorous field exercises. To mimic the challenging conditions of the DRC’s jungles, the training moved to Mzuzu, Malawi, where the terrain closely resembles that of the mission area. Here, Malawian forces further refined their skills in tactical movement, land navigation, and specialized procedures critical for operating in hostile environments.
Lt. Col. Patrick Stewart, a planner with SOCAFRICA, highlighted the training’s significance, emphasizing the enhanced level of coordination among international partners to support African security efforts. The training scenarios were specifically designed to prepare the Malawian forces for the complexities of U.N. peacekeeping missions, aiming to improve their operational capabilities and interoperability with other international forces.
Col. (Ret.) Rolant Vieira, Jr. of the Brazilian Army, commended the dedication of the Malawi Defence Force Battalion, noting their proficiency in navigating dense jungles and executing precise procedures under adverse conditions.
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