Articles
US Foreign Military Training Global Reach, Global Power (February 2002)
US government's training programs for foreign military and police forces have the potential of enhancing peacekeeping forces. Yet these programs should be kept under the close scrutiny of the Congress and the public. (Foreign Policy in Focus)
A Continent in Crying Need of Peacekeepers (October 15, 2004)
The G-8 countries plan to train 75,000 African peacekeepers to work in the continent and possibly beyond. A recent study shows that peacekeeping offers "the best return on donor investment" compared with sanctions and development assistance. Although an African peacekeeping force is vital to building security in the region, this article by UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Marie Guéhenno cautions against ignoring other forms of intervention and calls for "reforming the security forces, supporting the rule of law and laying the foundations for economic growth" in African nations. (International Herald Tribune)
Pentagon Challenge: Build an Afghan Army (April 11, 2002)
The Pentagon plans to deploy its special forces to jump-start the Afghani army. Yet the task of creating an ethnically balanced and a government-controlled army is not easy. (Christian Science Monitor)
Multi-Ethnic Military Takes Shape in Kabul (April 4, 2002)
The new Afghan National Guard, trained by international peacekeepers, is the first attempt to forge a military unity among the multi-ethnic groups that have often fought against each other in the past. (Washington Post )
Help Africa Help Itself Militarily (March 18,2002)
If the US seriously wants the African countries to help themselves, why cut the budget for the African Crisis Response Initiative (ACRI), a US-sponsored African military training program? (Baltimore Sun)
US Overseas Military Training Grows Out of Sight (January 31, 2002)
The report by Foreign Policy in Focus warns against the US's rapid expansion of military ties with countries accused of questionable human rights records. As the Bush administration appears to make critical oversight of these programs more difficult, the US can consequently "foster, rather than hinder, terrorism." (OneWorld US)
France Continues Peacekeeping Initiative for Africa (January 23, 2002)
France hopes to reinforce African soldier's peacekeeping capacity through the Reinforcement of African Capacity to Maintain Peace (RECAMP) initiatives. (Panafrican News Agency)
Preparations for French-led African Peacekeeping Exercises Complete (September 21, 2001)
More than 25 countries will participate in the multinational peacekeeping exercises under France's Reinforce African Peacekeeping Capacities (RECAMP) project.( Agence France Presse).
Brigade Level Peacekeeping Exercise Begins (July 10, 2001)
As part of the African Crisis Response Initiative (ACRI) program, the US European Command has begun training Senegalese and Malawian officers for peacekeeping missions in West Africa. (All Africa)
In Nepal, Annan Pledges UN Support for Peacekeeping Training Centre (March 13, 2001)
The Asia Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament could soon move from New York to Kathmandu to become part of a new training center in Nepal. The King of Nepal, Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, wants to "see the UN stronger and more effective". (UN News Center)
UK to Get UN Military College (October 5, 2000)
The proposed UK college would run peacekeeping courses for officers of the armed forces of other countries. The UK Government acknowledged a need to improve the UN's rapid deployment capabilities and would be reviewing UK services' training and exercise programmes for the college to enhance training. (Press Association)
Africa Needs Well-Trained, Well-Equipped Peacekeepers To Meet Crises (August 3, 2000)
Kofi Annan addressed a crowd at the opening of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Ghana, emphasizing Ghana's great 40 year dedication to UN peacekeeping. (M2 Presswire)
Links and Resources
United Nations Peacekeeping Training Unit
The Training and Evaluation Service was established by the General Assembly in order to coordinate and standardize training among Member States that contribute to peacekeeping
African Crisis Response Initiative
Supported by the US State Department, ACRI is aimed at enhancing the capacity of African nations to better perform peacekeeping and relief tasks.
IAPTC: International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centers
IAPTC suggests that standards/certification for peacekeeping training should be created.
RECAMP: Reinforcement of African Peackeeping Capacities
RECAMP, a joint action of France's Defense and Foreign Ministries, aims to strengthen African countries' capacities to maintain security on the African continent.
Training Standards of the Stand-by High Readiness Brigade (SHIRBRIG)
Outlines the standards of peacekeeping training and education set by SHIRBRIG, a high readiness force made available to the UN for rapid employment by eleven countries. SHIRBRIG aims at standardizing training objectives in all participating countries to make the high readiness brigade more effective.
Training US Army Officers for Peace Operations: Lessons from Bosnia
Report released by the United States Institute of Peace in October 1999 analyzing the deficiencies and opportunities in peacekeeper training.
