Peacekeeping lessons shared

By Michael Brooke

AUSTRALIA is sharing lessons learnt from more than 30 peacekeeping missions to help other regional countries enhance their capability for similar roles.

The ADF Peacekeeping Centre (ADFPC) at RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle has for several years trained ADF personnel how to conduct peacekeeping operations. But for the first time, ADFPC has hosted a Peace Operations Military Observers course for international participants.

Twenty-six military officers from Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea graduated from the two-week course late last year, and are now ready to assume greater responsibilities as qualified observers.

They were taught driving skills, leadership skills, military observer skills and responsibilities including patrolling and navigation.

The centre’s main functions are to develop and manage peace operations doctrine, education and training for UN and multi-national deployments.

ADFPC Director Wg-Cmdr Wendy Horder said the course for regional military officers from all three services would pay handsome dividends for the ADF and the participating countries.

“The course allows the ADF to engage selected countries, train them and learn from them, network and build relationships that are not only professional but also personal. One of the visiting directing staff, from the Malaysian Peace Training Centre, gave us valuable lessons from his extensive experience in training military observers,” she said.

Wg-Cmdr Horder said the course had reinforced our training credentials in peace operations. A UN representative was present to accredit the course.

She said the course and the annual Peace Operations seminar enabled the ADF to reinforce its reputation as a capable contributor to UN peace and stability efforts in the region and globally.

“The course aims to teach participants how to interact with Australian and international non-military organisations such as the UN, non-government agencies, humanitarian agencies and the media,” she said.

“Negotiation and mediation skills are often required during peacekeeping operations. All peacekeeping personnel need to be aware of not only the cultural differences of the region they are operating in but also the cultural differences of the agencies and organisations they are deployed with.”

For further information on the training provided by the ADFPC visit the web site http://defweb.cbr.defence.gov.au/adfwc/peacekeeping/index.htm.