EUTM Somalia - Europa

EUTM SOMALIA
A European success story…

Contents
Foreword by Mission Commander, EUTM Somalia
Helping Somalia to its feet
Colonel Michael Beary talks about the mission, which aims to help
provide security and a cohesive military to assist Somalia’s recovery
The Ugandan People’s Defence Force
Uganda – a country overview
Facts and figures about The Pearl of Africa
Somalia – a country torn apart
An assessment of decades of conflict in the horn of Africa
EUTM Somalia picture gallery
Bihanga Training Camp
An overview of the development of the EUTM Somalia training
facility in the western Ugandan district of Ibanda
You’re in the Army now!
An in-depth look at the core business of the mission – a library of
EUTM Somalia military training modules
EUTM Somalia training outputs – Mandates 1 and 2
A Somali perspective
An interview with a Somali Company Commander, Captain Nur Ali Egal
AMISOM
An overview of the African Union mission in Somalia
VoxPops – the voices of our EUTM Somalia troops
A truly European blend
A look at the mix of European nations committed to EUTM Somalia
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The European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) enables the Union to develop its
civilian and military capacities for crisis management and conflict prevention at international level and to conduct
operations in this area, thus helping to maintain peace and international security, in accordance with the United
Nations Charter.
More information and background documents on EUTM Somalia are available on:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/eeas/security-defence/eu-operations/eu-somalia-training-mission

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Foreword by Mission Commander,
EUTM Somalia
Colonel Michael Beary
Somalia continues to progress on a path toward peace and stability with the International Union
supporting tentative political advances. Many challenges remain and the latter part of 2012 with
the expected progression of the governmental system from a transitional body to a more long term,
sustainable democratic model represents a major milestone.
The European Union remains committed to assisting Somalia through many avenues but support to the
security sector by assisting with the development of a new military instrument in the form of the NSF
remains a fundamental part of the EU strategy to rebuild this torn country. The European Union Training
Mission for Somalia concludes its second mandate during December 2012 and will have trained over
3000 soldiers, NCOs and Officers who will assist in the extension of the Somali government remit to areas
outside Mogadishu.
The success of the mission has demonstrated not only the synergy that the military organisations of
EU member states can achieve together but also the potential of international partnership in crisis
management. The United Nations, the United States, the African Union, the European Union and Uganda
(the host nation for the mission) have acted in unison to help rebuild the Somali Army, each playing a
defined role and each facilitating fully the inputs of their partners.
I believe it would be wrong to suggest that a solution is close at hand but incremental and careful
redevelopment of this military instrument, improving conditions, military infrastructure, equipment and
sustainment, with regular salary payment will provide the Somali Government with the means to establish
a safe and secure environment for all Somali citizens. The future looks a little brighter now for Somalia
than at any point during the last twenty years of instability.
Colonel Ricardo González Elul (Spain)
Mission Commander - Mandate 1
Colonel Michael Beary (Ireland)
Mission Commander - Mandate 2

EUROPEAN UNION TRAINING MISSION – SOMALIA
HELPING SOMALIA TO ITS FEET
Somalia is moving incrementally toward a more stable environment. Major challenges remain, not
least of which is the ever present threat of clan-based Warlords seeking to reassert their power and
influence. Other challenges include the threat of a sustained asymmetrical campaign mounted by
the extreme Islamist Al Shaabab (AS), the daily evidence of which is seen on our TV screens. Famine and
piracy are also major destabilising concerns with many separate agendas regarding control of relief aid and
ransom demands which can derail the fragile recovery at any point. The Transitional Federal Government
(TFG) is seeking to extend its remit throughout the country, supported by the UN, US and the EU. The
African Union (AU) in particular provides direct support through the AMISOM peacekeeping force. This
force, led by Ugandan Lieutenant General Andrew Gutti, is fighting hard and suffering causalities in
attempts to defeat AS. An ambitious three year National Security and Stabilisation Plan has now been
completed to take Somalia toward stable governance following two decades of brutal conflict.
The European Union
In advance of a more stable environment, the institutional framework must be strengthened. The EU,
while already a major contributor of finance to the region, identified the National Security Force (the approx
10,000 strong Somali Army) as one
body in need of urgent restructuring
support. An EU Council decision
on 31st March 2010 launched
EUTM Somalia under UNSCR 1872
to provide training support to the
Somali Army. The Ugandan Army
(UPDF) had an existing unilateral
arrangement for providing basic
training at Bihanga and the EU
joined this effort, in partnership
with Uganda.
The Bihanga Training Camp (BTC)
facility is extremely isolated, lying
almost six hours by road to the west
of Kampala. The logistic challenge
is therefore immense and major
infrastructural work was required
to develop the camp to acceptable
European standards, particularly in
New trainee soldiers develop their skills
terms of living accommodation and medical facilities. It now enjoys both a Role 1 and Role 2 hospital
capability as well as an air strip to facilitate casualty evacuation. The education level of the Somali
trainees is very low with up to 80% of an intake being illiterate, which impacts greatly on the speed of
training delivery. An additional challenge is overcoming the deep-rooted Somali clan system to produce
units with a mix of clans, even though the dominant clan from the Mogadishu urban area, the Hawiye,
has been strongly represented to date. Training was initially focused on infantry techniques at recruit
and junior leader level, but later extended to full Company level. The Somali army is bereft of a working
Command and Control (C2) system and this had to be developed from scratch in Bihanga. The challenge
remains to achieve well-structured units, clan balanced and adequately staffed by trained NCOs, Platoon
Commanders, Company Staffs and Company Commanders. Additionally great emphasis is placed on
training the Somalis to train themselves and to increase awareness of mine and IED threats (MIEDA),
improve Combat Life Support (CLS), Fighting in Built Up Areas (FIBUA) and Communications. Training of
each intake lasts six months, the latter part of which is dedicated to cohesion training where the formed
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units exercise exclusively with Somali junior leaders, mentored by EUTM and UPDF trainers.
Language provides a further complication with up to four languages in use at any one training
intervention. EUTM trainers must deliver in English (thereby personally translating from their native
tongue); this is converted by an English-speaking Kenyan interpreter to Swahili and Somali. Some
A Somali Platoon Commander, her Sergeant,
French Trainer and Kenyan Interpreter
EUTM instructors have succeeded in
mastering rudimentary Somali to lessen
this problem. Realism in training is not
difficult to achieve as both trainers and
trainees know that the final outcome of
the training is deployment on combat
operations in Somalia. The quality
of the training is highly respected by
the NSF with the result that Bihanga
graduates have been used extensively
in combat situations. Regrettably this
has resulted in casualties including
some fatalities.
Training extends beyond military skills
alone and Somalis, who are for the most
part illiterate, learn about their country
as a complete and sovereign entity and
are urged outside their clan structures
to a broader level of understanding. They are taught aspects of the Laws of War, Humanitarian Law and
Gender Issues. However, the main task at hand is instructing them on war fighting capability in support
of the UN, AU and EU-backed TFG in order to establish a safe and secure Somalia.
Strategic Alignment
Internal customers for EUTM Somalia include the 27 member states (MS) of the EU and in particular the 12
states who currently directly contribute personnel to the mission. All actions taken by the mission and all
reports are carefully scrutinised by such MS through their permanent military representations in Brussels.
In keeping with the structure of our HQ
as a Mission HQ, combining both FHQ
and OHQ, the Commander is frequently
invited to update the PSC, the EUMC/
CHODs and Defence Minister meetings
on the current situation in theatre. Key
leader engagements with the mission
stakeholders (UN, AU, AMISOM, US,
UPDF and EU Delegations) are also
frequent and necessary to ensure that
the mission remains aligned with the
broader concept of the EU Strategic
Framework for the Horn of Africa
and Somalia. The EU has adopted a
comprehensive approach with many
strands towards East Africa. EUTM
Somalia is but a small part of this wider
template. The end state for the mission
is to impart the training skills to local
Wishing the new graduates good fortune
for the future
actors and assist the legitimate Somali government and army in developing their own organic military
training capability in Somalia.

Operation Crested Star
The operation to transfer the massed Somali recruit intakes is known as Operation Crested Star. This
substantial personnel rotation takes place approximately every six months with the final Mandate 2
intake in early July 2012. The EUTM Somalia mission is reliant on pre-operation actions that must take
place upstream of its task, principally in Somalia and Nairobi. It is imperative to ensure that focused
recruiting takes place in order to ensure correct numbers of trainees for each module, that no child
soldiers are included and that all trainees arrive in a fit medical condition to undertake the training.
Significant coordination and shaping of the inputs of some of the other stakeholders is routinely driven
by Mission Commander to ensure that the EUTM Somalia mission is achieved as effectively as possible.
Operation Crested Star itself involves multiple days of airlift and road transfers between Mogadishu and
Bihanga Camp, through Entenbbe military airport, for the outgoing trained cohesive units and incoming
draft of trainees. A strict condition of the training agreement is that the outgoing troops remain as formed
units on return to Somalia. The future aspiration of the NSF is to form the UPDF/EUTM graduates into
a 5th Brigade, which would represent a significant military capability in the Somali context.
Mogadishu
A
B
C
OP CRESTED STAR OVERVIEW
Somali TFG recruits transported to Jazeera Camp (Mogadishu) from multiple locations
-Ugandan-trained TFG transported from Bihanga
to Mogadishu
-Somali recruits transported from Mogadishu to
Entebbe
Newly-trained TFG forces stage at Entebbe awaiting
transport; new recruits transported to Bihanga
C
B
Operation Crested Star
To fully appreciate the EU training challenge it is necessary to have an understanding of the environment
from where the trainees originate. The situation in Somalia remains tense with the TFG and AMISOM
continuing to conduct operations in the city of Mogadishu where increasingly sophisticated improvised
A
A
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explosive devices (IEDs) are all too frequent. This is in keeping with the stated Al Shaabab intent to engage
in asymmetrical warfare following withdrawal from most of the city. The area of the international airport
(MIA) is relatively secure and includes UNMAS and Bancroft Security Contractor compounds. Outside
MIA movement must be in armoured vehicles. The detritus of conflict is everywhere. The UN Mine Action
Service (UNMAS) seeks to remove mines and UXBs,
while spent rounds from twenty years of conflict litter
the ground, including the beaches. Despite these
difficult conditions, the TFG and AMISOM remain
committed to fulfilling their part of the preparation
of recruits for EUTM Somalia. To ensure that our
training syllabi accurately reflect the operational
situation on the ground in Mogadishu, close liaison
with the NSF is necessary. This immediately informs
the MIEDA, CLS, Communications and, most
importantly, the FIBUA training modules. Regular
EUTM Somalia visits to Mogadishu have resulted in
a better understanding of the Somalia AO and of the
main organisations involved including UNMAS and
UNSOA.
Combat fitness. An essential element
of the BTC programme
Despite the unstable security environment, vital signs are again being detected in Mogadishu. Bakarra
Market has again returned vibrantly to life. Traffic jams are a feature of city life in part due to a more stable
environment but also regrettably due to the increase in famine affected IDPs from outside Mogadishu.
The AMISOM high-sided Casper APCs now have a new threat other than IEDs to contend with; DIY power
Spanish trainers guiding the way
lines are being extended across roads by desperate
inhabitants seeking electricity!
Looking Forward
Somalia has arrived to a new more hopeful place. The
TFG, extended until Aug 2012 and armed with an
ambitious National Security and Stabilisation Plan, is
attempting to develop a new institutional framework.
Many political concerns remain, not least of which is
the amount of support this delicate governing body
can gain within the many disparate constituencies
that make up the patchwork of Somali society. Twenty
years of mayhem and failed state status is generating
a new determination to succeed. Many extraneous variables remain, all of which have the potential
to derail this fragile process. The clan system, warlord strength with associated militias and the still
potent threat posed by Al Shaabab all have the wherewithal to halt progress toward a reconstructed
Somalia with a system of governance that still remains to be finalised. A lingering resentment to the
returning educated diaspora is also evident. Nevertheless, incremental progress is being achieved due
not insignificantly to engagement by the international community, including the EU, on the Somali
problem and bringing significant resources to bear.
One important piece of the Somali security jigsaw is the training of the army and in this area EUTM
Somalia has proactively sought to provide a solution. While the scale of the mission is modest, it still
represents a physical presence on the ground by European soldiers, extending a helping hand to lift
Somalia back to its feet. Mogadishu and Somalia can enjoy new hope if the international community
remain engaged and provide the support that is so desperately required.

Uganda People’s Defence Force
(UPDF)
The Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF) is among the most powerful armed forces in Africa with
some 51,000 full-time troops and 30,000 reservists. Over a decade of action against rebel forces
within Uganda and additionally in support of groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),
has given the UPDF skills and experience almost unrivalled in Africa. According to the Constitution of
Uganda, the roles of the UPDF are:
• To preserve and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda;
• To co-operate with the civilian authority in emergency situations and in cases of natural
disaster;
• To foster harmony and understanding between the defence forces and civilians;
• To engage in productive activities for the development of Uganda.
President Yoweri Museveni is the Supreme Commander of the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces. The
forces consist primarily of a land army with mainly infantry forces. There are five infantry divisions, in
addition to an armoured brigade and an artillery brigade. A small naval force, known as the marine force,
comes under the army command. The air force is another element of the UPDF. An elite Presidential
Protection Unit (PPU) is based at State House and is directly responsible to President Museveni. The
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Aronda Nyakairima, controls the land forces, the air force and the
marine force. He is supported by a Joint Chief of Staff (JCS), Major General Robert Rusoke.
In February 2004 Uganda joined 12 regional states to form the East African Standby Brigade (EASBRIG) of
the AU’s planned African Standby Force. The UPDF has also been a significant contributor to the African
Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), since first deploying a contingent with the peacekeeping force to the
horn of Africa in 2007. Uganda initially deployed a contingent of about 1,600 troops to Somalia as part
of this force under the auspices of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), a mission authorised
by the United Nations Security Council. Since then the Ugandan government has enhanced the strength
of AMISOM by deploying additional UPDF forces, filling the security vacuum left by the withdrawal of
Ethiopian forces from Mogadishu. Currently, Uganda contributes nearly 7,000 troops to AMISOM.
Army Commander and Chief of Defence Forces,
General Aronda Nyakairima
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UPDF soldiers prepare for deployment

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THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA
UGANDA – A Country Overview
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa. It is bordered on the east by Kenya, on the north by
South Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda,
and on the south by Tanzania. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of
Lake Victoria, which is also shared by Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda takes its name from the Buganda
kingdom, which encompasses a large portion of the south of the country including the capital Kampala.
Population Structure
The Ugandan people can be classified into a number
of broad categories. The Bantu people, the earliest
arrivers in Uganda, constitute more than 50% of the
total population, occupying east, central, western and
southern parts of the country. They comprise several
ethnic sub-groups like the Baganda, Banyoro, and
Basoga. The Atekerin group, sometimes known as the
Nilo-Hamites, Para Nilotes or the Lango live in the north,
east and northeast.
The Luo, originally from southern Sudan, are another
nilotic group. They live in West Nile area, the northern
and eastern parts of the country. The Sudanic speakers
of West Nile, including Lugbara, Madi and Okebu people,
form another group. The Pygmoid people are the closest
surviving relatives of the Stone Age man. They constitute
the Batwa and the Bambuti who live in western Uganda,
bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Religions
Roman Catholic 41.9%, Anglican 35.9%, Pentecostal
4.6%, Seventh-day Adventist 1.5%, Muslim 12.1%,
Other 3.1%, None 0.9%.
Of the Christian population, the Roman Catholic Church
The Grey Crowned Crane – A national
symbol of Uganda
has the largest number of followers, followed by the Anglican Church, while Evangelical and Pentecostal
churches claim the rest. The Muslim population is primarily Sunni. Traditional indigenous beliefs are
practiced in some rural areas and are sometimes blended with or practiced alongside Christianity or
Islam. Indian nationals, the most significant immigrant population, are primarily Ismaili or Hindu.
The northern and west Nile regions of the country are predominantly Catholic, while Iganga district in
eastern Uganda has the highest percentage of Muslims. The rest of the country experiences a mix of
religious affiliations.

Languages
English is the official national language of Uganda. Luganda is the preferred ‘native language’. Other
Bantu languages, Nilo-Saharan languages, Swahili, Arabic are commonly used.
Ugandans tend to communicate more indirectly than directly. Stories, proverbs, and the like are common
means of expressing a point indirectly. Greetings together with a large helping of ‘small talk’ almost
always occur before talking about business. Additionally, humour plays a big role in communicating as
most Ugandans enjoy a good joke.
Population: 32,301,470 (January 2010 estimate)
Age structure: 0 - 14 years: 50%, 15 - 64 years: 47.9%, 65 years
and over: 2.1% (2009 estimate)
Population growth rate: 2.69 (2009 est.)
Birth rate: 48.15 births/1,000 population (2008 estimate)
Death rate: 12.32 deaths/1,000 population (2008 estimate)
Infant mortality rate: 64.82 deaths/1,000 live births (2009 estimate)
Life expectancy at birth: Total population: 52.72 years, male: 51.66 years,
female : 53.81 years (2009 estimate)
Total fertility rate: 6.77 children born/woman (2009 estimate)
HIV/AIDS: adult prevalence rate: 5.4% (2007 estimate),
deaths: 77,000 (2007 estimate)
Literacy rate: 66.8 %
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Food
Ugandan cuisine consists of
traditional cooking with English,
Arab and Asian (especially
Indian) influences. Main dishes
are usually centered on a sauce
or stew of groundnuts, beans or
meat.
Starchy fillers traditionally
come from Ugali (maize meal) or
Matoke (boiled and mashed green
banana).
Soybean was promoted as a
healthy food staple in the 1970s
and this is also widely consumed,
especially for breakfast. Also part
of daily cuisine is cassava, yam,
African sweet potatoes, rice and
Chapatti, an Asian flatbread.
Nyama, (Swahili word for "meat") would not necessarily be eaten every day. Fruits are plentiful and
regularly eaten as snacks or dessert. Cakes, introduced by European travelers, are nowadays very
popular amongst Ugandan society.

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Somalia – A country torn apart
Al-Shabaab members on the northern outskirts of Mogadishu in November 2008
The beginning of the Somalia crisis may be traced to the collapse of the state following the fall of the
last president of a united Somalia, Siad Barre, in 1991, when he was overthrown by an alliance
of the major clans in the country, with external support. A civil war period followed, particularly
violent in the centre and the south of the country, with numerous warlords and militias contesting for
control of Mogadishu, the capital city, and its hinterland. In the north Somaliland declared its selfindependence
and started a long process to build a viable state, looking for international recognition.
In 1992, the increasing instability in Somalia made the consequences of the drought worse and provoked
a humanitarian crisis. This situation persuaded the United Nations Security Council to mandate the
deployment of a limited peacekeeping mission, UNOSOM I. This initiative was superseded in December
1992 by a multinational force of 37,000 soldiers, UNITAF, under US command. In 1993, with a more
robust mandate, UNOSOM II integrated most of the international troops and got the additional task to
support national reconciliation. In March 1994, the US withdrew their significant contribution to the
UN mission, followed by the main troop contributors. UNOSOM II finished its mandate with a feeling of
failure. Somalia drowned slowly in a civil war.
During the following decade several attempts were made to achieve reconciliation through different
agreements, without any success. Somalia was stuck into a mostly clan conflict and nobody has been
able to tackle with the proliferation of militias all over the territory. In 2004, following talks in Kenya, a
Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and Transitional Federal Institutions (TFI) were established but
did not succeed in settling its control and legitimacy, notably in Mogadishu. Shortly after its creation
the TFG faced the emergence of a coalition of Islamic courts, at first in Mogadishu, in an effort to restore
a sort of order and justice. In 2006, this coalition formed the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) and quickly
spread over the south and the centre of Somalia.
In late 2006 Ethiopian forces entered Somalia to drive back the UIC who threatened the survival of the TFG.

While not authorising the intervention, the UN did not formally oppose it and Ethiopian forces remained
in the country until early 2009. The UIC was quickly defeated by the Ethiopian National Defence Forces
(ENDF) but its most hard-line branch reorganised to fight the Ethiopians. They created Harakat al-
Residents walk through the Bakara Market
area of Somalia’s Mogadishu
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Shabaab al-Mujahideen, commonly
known as Al Shabaab. The new
insurgency succeeded in linking
radical ideology and nationalism
against the Ethiopians, which
resulted in mass support.
After the withdrawal of the ENDF
from Somalia, between late 2008
and early 2009, Al-Shabaab made
immediate gains in its campaigns
against a renewed Transitional
Federal Government (Djibouti
Agreement bringing into power a
former leader of the UIC, Sheikh
Sharif Ahmed), capturing Baidoa,
the base of the Transitional Federal
Parliament, on January 26th 2009.
Within a few weeks the insurgency captured the entire south as well as most parts of the centre of the
country.
To takeover from ENDF
and to support the political
reconciliation, the African
Union had agreed in early
2007, to the deployment
of a peacekeeping mission,
AMISOM. With an
authorised strength of 8,000
troops (Uganda and Burundi
were the two first troop
contributing countries),
AMISOM concentrated its
deployment in Mogadishu
in order to protect the
transitional institutions.
Step by step the mission
expanded its controlled
area to the entire capital
city, in doing so pressing Al
Somalia’s children. A brighter future
awaits ?....
Shabaab to withdraw from Bakara Market in August 2011. Concurrently in the south and the centre
of Somalia, a gathering of TFG-loyal forces, with support of Kenyan and Ethiopian armies, started to
successfully take back control of large territories from Al Shabaab. In February 2012, the UN Security
Council increased the amount of troops deployed to 17,731, in order to give to AMISOM the capabilities
to deploy outside Mogadishu.
The mandate of the Transitional Federal Government concludes in August 2012. Somalia then enters a
new era and will attempt to rebuild what has been destroyed over the last two decades. A new Constitution,
produced following a lengthy consultation with traditional elders and civil society, will give to the next
institutions a strong basis for the construction of a new state which will hopefully definitely turn the page
of the “failed state” denomination.

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The first Somali trainees arrive at Entebbe in
April 2010
Imparting the FIBUA key skills an attentive
audience
Members of European Union Military
Committee visiting Bihanga in October 2010
EUTM Somalia
A candid look at everyd
The media take a closer look at marksmanship
training in Bihanga
Mission accomplished! The ESDP EUTM Somalia
service medals – Planning & Support medal (left);
HQ & Forces medal (right)
Mission Commander handover ceremony.
Colonel Beary takes over the reins from Colonel Elul

Picture Gallery
ay life in the mission
Mission Commander visits the UPDF facility at
Bihanga
Somali trainees perfect their FIBUA skills under
the watchful eye of their Portuguese trainers
Local schools benefiting through CIMIC
cooperation
Teaching searching drills to an interested
audience
Somali trainees going through their paces on
the Obstacle Course
Colonel Rogat, German Armed Forces, signs the
visitor’s book at HQ EUTM Somalia
New trainees in Bihanga The training cycle continues as yet another
cohort of Somali trainees arrive in Uganda
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Bihanga Training Camp (BTC)
Without doubt, when any international military force establishes a ‘start up’ mission, a military
compound is an absolute must! For EUTM Somalia, the importance of developing a suitable base
at the location of the ‘centre of gravity’ of the training effort in Bihanga became an immediate
priority.
In this case of the Bihanga Training Camp, situated far from Kampala in the western Ugandan district of
Ibanda, building a suitable base posed quite a challenge. Initially, the most difficult issue turned out to
be the speedy design of the compound, because the European trainers at the BTC needed a place to live
in order to achieve their work.
Here in Uganda, Europeans quickly understand that engineering standards, methods of construction,
work patterns and time deadlines are very different from those which we are accustomed to at home!
Furthermore, the transportation of the materials to Bihanga posed plenty of logistical headaches
throughout the construction process. Right from the inception of the EUTM Somalia mission, Spanish
military engineers have carefully managed these responsibilities, choosing and subsequently supervising
local companies to partner EUTM Somalia in their quest.
The construction of the Bihanga Training Camp was achieved in three phases. The first and the most
important phase witnessed the principle works. The staff offices, ablutions, kitchen, dining hall, medical
facilities, airstrip and the training facilities were completed during this period. In addition, extra
dormitories at the UPDF base were provided in order to accommodate the new trainees, a key enabler in
ensuring the commencement of training of the Somali recruits as per the schedule. The second phase (on
confirmation of the second mandate), saw the construction of the European trainer’s dormitories, as well
as improvements to the airstrip. Finally the third and ongoing phase involves continual maintenance of
and improvements to the existing infrastructures, to make life as comfortable as possible for all.
Nowadays in excess of 120 people can live comfortably and safely at our base and as our pictures show,
EUTM Somalia can be immensely proud of its remarkable facility at Bihanga, a true oasis!
A blank canvas……
Construction in progress…
BTC HQ offices take
shape
Phase 1 complete
A home away from home

YOU’RE IN THE ARMY NOW….
An in-depth look at the EUTM Somalia training modules
The EUTM Somalia training concept involves a multi-faceted training module approach where Somali
trainees undergo a wide variety of training interventions, each designed to equip the various ranks
with the key military skills and command abilities they will need in the future. Here we take a closer
look at what is involved for our Somali brothers in arms…..
Company Commander and Company Staff Training
Module
The objective of this module is to train around 20 selected Somali trainees
(Coy Staff) as well as the Company Commanders so that they understand
the training processes of their future soldiers, in addition to the standard
operational procedures of their future staff in their Companies.
Company Commander
Tactical skills specifically designed for the Somali Captains are imparted
to the officers. This program develops the areas of infantry unit structure,
section and platoon tactics, company tactics, and basic battalion tactics.
Company Staff
NCO Coy Staff members must attend this part of the module, which
is mainly focused on the different administrative areas at infantry company level; S1 (Personnel), S2
(Intelligence/Security), S3 (Operations/Preparation) and S4 (Logistics).
This module is conducted by the Spanish team.
Junior Officers Training Module
Communications Module
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The objective of this module is to train selected Somali trainees
as Platoon Leaders on the basic military skills which they will
need on operations in Somalia.
The main subjects are;
- Command (battlefield environment, law, organisation of the
military)
- Tactical Skills (map reading and navigation,
communications)
- Combat Techniques
- Combined Arms (mortar support, engineer support, C-IED)
- Platoon Leader Responsibilities (the conduct of realistic live firing at platoon level)
- Physical training (sport and route marches)
This module is conducted by the French team.
The objective of this module is to train selected Somali Communications personnel in the operation and
maintenance of the communications assets at platoon and company level.

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Among the main subjects are: Communications Principles, Voice Procedure, Equipment Implementation,
Equipment Maintenance, Networking, Mobile Communications and Satellite Communications Introduction
.
This module is conducted by the German team.
Combat Life Saver (CLS) Module
The objective of this module is to train selected Somali personnel
in basic Battlefield First Aid (BFA) and to prepare them to take
action immediately after an injury or onset of illness, in order
to save a life, prevent further injury, or to stabilise for further
treatment.
The principle subjects are;
- Battlefield First Aid Course
- Personal/unit-level Medical Equipment
- Medical Skills & Triage
- CLS Reporting
This module is conducted by the Italian team.
Fighting In Built-Up Areas (FIBUA) Module
Mine and Improvised Explosive Devices
Awareness (MIEDA) Module
The objective of this module is to train selected Somali engineer
personnel in the operation and maintenance of the engineer
assets at platoon and company level.
Subjects taught in this module include;
- Mine Awareness in Somalia
- Combat Minefield Identification
- Countermine Operations
- Minefield Reconnaissance
- Reporting
This module is conducted by the Italian team.
The objective of this module is to train the selected Somali
personnel to perform individual combat fighting skills and
basic platoon-sized missions in urban environments.
The core subjects in this module include;
- Introduction to urban combat operations (vision, orientation,
weapon effects, protection, liaison, and coordination)
- Section FIBUA tasks (recce/offence/defence)
- Section FIBUA command and control
This module is conducted by the Portuguese team.

NCO Basic Training Module
The objective of this module is to train the selected Somali
trainees for NCO Basic Training in order to identify those
individuals who will be selected to complete Junior Officer
Training and other specialised training modules.
Trainees on this module are exposed to;
- Individual Combat Skills (map reading/navigation
skills, communications skills, battlefield first aid)
- Tactical skills
- Weapon Training
- Leadership (morale, discipline, comradeship, values
and standards, military law)
- Civilian law (Somali Transitional Federal Government, armed forces structure, law of armed conflict,
human rights, gender issues)
- Physical Development (marches, combat assault training, health training)
This significant module is conducted by the Finnish, Irish, Maltese, Belgian, Hungarian, German and
Swedish teams.
Infantry Section Leader Module
The objective of this module is to train selected Somali
trainees as Section Leaders within an Infantry Platoon to
prepare them for subsequent deployment on operations in
Somalia.
The program for this module develops those skills learned in
the Basic NCO Module and aims to expand the knowledge
and understanding of Section Tactics, Techniques and
Procedures, as well as introducing new equipment when the
Section Leaders are deemed ready.
The focus is on Command and Control (Section level),
Combat Patrol Techniques and Section Weapon Skills.
This module is also conducted by the Finnish, Irish, Maltese,
Belgian, Hungarian, German and Swedish teams.
Train the Trainers Module
This is the newest module to have been added to the EUTM Somalia syllabus during Mandate 2. The
objective of this module is to equip selected Somali NCOs with the instructional ability required to
accomplish their own training interventions when deployed back to Somalia. In what is a rigorous and
testing module, the trainees are taught all of the lessons and skills involved in instructing soldiers in
training. Over time and throughout repeated practice their confidence in this field improves significantly,
so much so that our European trainers can feel fully confident that the level of military instruction that
they will impart in Somalia will be of the required quality. This key transfer of expertise will undoubtedly
prove to be of significant importance to the development of NSF training capabilities at Al Jazeera Camp
in Mogadishu in the coming years.
This module is conducted by the French team.
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EUTM Somalia training outputs
Mandates 1 and 2
The mission plan for EUTM Somalia provides the official framework for EU operations in Uganda. The
military strategic objective for the mission is
“to contribute to the strengthening of the NSF through the provision of military training to commanders
and specialists up to company level, and through training trainers, with a view to transferring basic and
specialist training expertise up to platoon level, under African ownership, back to Somalia”.
To achieve this objective, EUTM Somalia works in a close partnership with the Ugandan People’s Defence
Force (UPDF) to impart the required level of professional military training as envisaged in the mission
plan, to the Somali trainees. Our intensive and robust military training syllabus, designed to equip the
various ranks and formations with the palette of skills and expertise they will need, takes place over a
six-month syllabus at Bihanga Training Camp. Mandate 1 for EUTM Somalia witnessed the training
of our first and second mass Somali intakes as part of the joint EUTM Somalia/UPDF partnership.
Mandate 2 accounts for similar third and forth intakes. Some 3,029 Officers, NCOs and soldiers from
Somalia will have passed through the Bihanga training regime by the completion of business at the end
of Mandate 2, having specialised in the training modules of Fighting in Built-up Areas (FIBUA), Combat
Life Support (CLS), Communications, Mine and Improvised Explosive Device Awareness (MIEDA) and
Infantry operations. It is a figure which will undoubtedly represent a significant asset of the National
Security Force (NSF) as the transition towards a new secure Somalia gathers pace. The table portrays an
accurate picture of the numbers of Somalis who partook in the training scheme and hopefully benefited
from the experience.
Somalia NSF trainees perfecting
their skills
On parade! The finished
product…

A Somali Perspective
Interview with a Somali Company Commander,
Captain Nur Ali Egal
Captain Nur Ali Egal is an
Infantry Officer of the National
Security Force of Somalia.
He is 36 years old, married, with
one child and lives in Mogadishu.
He has previously attended military
courses in Egypt and Ethiopia. He
completed his Company Commander
training at Bihanga Training Camp
in June 2012.
Captain, what are your hopes and dreams?
My hope is to restore peace and stability in my country, protecting it from its enemies. My dream is
to reach a higher rank in the Somali Army in order to be able to give my best contribute to defend my
country and my people.
Considering your previous experience of military courses, how do you rate the programmes
employed by the EUTM Somalia instructors in Bihanga?
For many years now there has been no training happening in Somalia because of the war. I think that
this has badly affected our nation, causing lack of peace and a poor economy. My experience here in
Uganda is that EUTM Somalia has really given the very best training possible to our Somali trainees
including Company Officers, Junior Officers, NCOs, Train the Trainers (TTT) and recruits in general.
Do you think that instruction on topics such as Gender Affairs, Human Rights, Religion,
and respect for life (especially for children and women) has positively influenced the
trainees outlook and future behaviour?
Yes I am quite sure that the outlook of every soldier has changed and they will act appropriately following
the concepts they have learned here. Moreover, they will apply these in their future lives and careers.
Do you think that the presence of female instructors has helped the female trainees to
understand sensitive topics such as Gender Affairs, Women’s Rights, Female Circumcision,
Child Marriages, Reproductive and Sexual Health?
Yes very much, the availability of EUTM Somalia female instructors is very important. They have all been
excellent instructors and a source of important education to the Somali females undergoing the training.
It is undoubted that they have benefited from female expertise.
Considering that many of the Somali trainees are very young men and women, how do
you think they are feeling about their future careers as professional soldiers in their
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home country? Do you think they feel apprehensive, proud or maybe both?
I am certain that they are very proud of being NSF members and they will be very professional soldiers
in the future. They will serve our country well. I don’t think they are afraid or hold any fear in their
hearts.
Captain Nur Ali Egal’s Company, with EUTM
Somalia trainers, after a hiking practice
What type of feedback
have you received
from the trainees
in your Company
about the training
they received? Do
you think that the
objective to not only
train them as soldiers
but as citizens of the
future Somali nation
has been achieved?
I have received a very
positive feedback from
them. They believe that
have received the best
combat training skills.
They will be able to
transfer these military
lessons to others in
Somalia too, thanks to
the professional training they received. I’m confident that they will also be good citizens of the Somali
nation in the future.
As a Company Commander you must be able to sense what a soldier is feeling when you
look him in the eyes. Have you seen something in your soldiers eyes that gives you the
certainty that they have the appetite and the energy, despite being so young, to cope
with the demands of high-tempo operational activity when deployed back to Somalia?
Yes, when I look to every soldier I am able to understand his or her talent, courage and determination. I
know that, even though many of them are young soldiers, they can cope with the demands of operational
activities when they will be deployed in Somalia. Together we will succeed!
Have you received any feedback from the NSF about the deployment of the EUTM Somaliatrained
Companies on operations in Somalia?
Yes, I am well aware of what they are doing. Reports say that they are doing a marvellous job. They are
considered to be the ‘backbone’ of the Somalia National Security Force. Many of them are fighting with
honour and distinction in the front line alongside the AMISOM soldiers.
In your intake there are only small numbers of female soldiers. What is your opinion
about increasing the percentage of female trainees in future intakes?
My opinion is that the number of female recruits in the future intakes should be increased because they
play a great role in the Somalia National Security Force.
They play a vital role on operational activities inside villages or during the deployment of check points in
terms of searching female civilians. I am sure that in the next future they will play a fundamental role in
the military and also in Somali society.

African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM)
In February 2007, the United Nations Security Council authorised the African Union (AU) to deploy a
peacekeeping mission in support of Somalia’s Transitory Federal Institutions. Two months later, the
AU mission in Somalia (AMISOM) began deploying in theatre. Throughout 2007 and 2008, al-Shabaab
scored military victories, seizing control of key towns and ports in both central and southern Somalia.
Reiterating their serious concern over continued fighting in Somalia and condemning attacks on both
civilians and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), subsequent six-monthly renewals of AMISOM’s
mandate by the African Union Peace and Security Council and also by the United Nations Security
Council, have been authorised.
Unanimously adopting Resolution 2010 (2011) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the
Council requested the AU to “urgently increase” the Mission’s force strength to its mandated level of
12,000 uniformed personnel, and expressed its intention to consider the possible need to adjust that level
when AMISOM reached its maximum troop strength.
The AMISOM Military Component is the biggest of the three components of the AMISOM Mission, the
others being Police and Civilian components. As at 13th September 2011, AMISOM had 9,595 troops in
theatre, principally from Uganda, Kenya and Burundi. Since 2nd May 2012, the Commander of AMISOM
is Lieutenant General Andrew Gutti (Uganda). The Deputy Commander is Major General Cyprien Hakiza
(Burundi).
AMISOM is mandated to conduct Peace Support Operations (PSO) in Somalia to stabilise the situation
in the country in order to create conditions for the conduct of humanitarian activities and an immediate
take over by the United Nations (UN). It does so by;
• Providing protection to Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) and its key infrastructure, to enable
them carry out their functions.
• Assisting in the implementation of the National Security Stabilisation Programme (NSSP).
• Providing technical assistance and other support to the disarmament and stabilisation efforts.
• Monitoring the security situation in areas of operation.
• Facilitating humanitarian operations including repatriation of refugees and Internally Displaced
Persons (IDPs).
• Protecting AMISOM personnel, installations and equipment, including self defence.
The Military Component of AMISOM is very popular with the Somali population due to its provision
of various free services, including an in-patient and out-patient medical service as well as a reliable
supply of purified water. AMISOM supports dialogue and reconciliation in Somalia, working with all
stakeholders.
Lt Gen Andrew Gutti (Uganda), AMISOM
Commander
AMISOM forces on patrol
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Voxpops The voices of
Never shy to offer their opinions, we asked the personnel of EUTM Somalia about their experiences
with the mission! Here is what some of them had to say……
Staff Sergeant Flavius Zavelcuta (France) – Platoon Leader at
Bihanga Training Camp
Here in Bihanga I work with a number of nationalities. This is a new experience
for me and I enjoy it as I am very interested to learn their methods of work and
also how their cultures differ too. Living and working conditions are very good
and daily life is quite busy here. We can all learn from each other new tactical
skills, operational experiences and of course it is a great opportunity for us to
practice and improve our English! For the mission I feel it is important that the
Somali soldiers not only learn to master their own field drills but also to learn
to become trainers themselves so they, in turn, can begin to instruct their own
recruits upon their return to Somalia.
Lieutenant Colonel Corrado Prado (Italy) – Press & Information Officer at HQ EUTM
Somalia
I am a Gunner of the Italian Army and I live in the northern
part of Italy. I was really excited to be selected as PIO for EUTM
Somalia because after seven missions abroad this was my first
opportunity to experience a deployment in Africa. Now I am here
in the MHQ, having an unbelievable experience, working in such
a collaborative environment with professionals coming from most
of the participating European nations, from different cultures,
experiences and walks of life. Quoting the Mission Commander,
this is “a happy mission”; in our HQ we work hard but always in a
friendly atmosphere, helping each other and being extremely proud
to be EUTM Somalia mission members.
Lieutenant Colonel Denis Bretaudeau (France) – Commander, Bihanga Training Camp
Throughout our time here in Uganda the EUTM personnel have developed a strong relationship with
the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the army of our host nation, here in the Bihanga Training
School. Together we strive to achieve the same aim; give the most
advanced training possible to the Somali trainees. We have also
forged a solid bond with the Somali trainees and their military
authorities in the camp and further developed our relationship and
friendships amongst the training teams’ personnel themselves. We
have combined our nation’s competencies and skills and deliver
them as one. EUTM Somalia is an exceptional opportunity to
share experiences for a fair cause. With UPDF and all European
nations, the BTC is a training platform that wishes to have a part
in the success of stabilising Somalia.

our EUTM Somalia troops
Sergeant Alexandros Kalotinis (Sweden) – NCO Training Officer at Bihanga Training
Camp
I am part of the Swedish team that trains the Somali NCOs. From
the group of new recruit intakes we seek out those with most
potential for leadership, ability to learn and the highest level of
soldiering skills. These are then selected to go forward for NCO
training. All trainees are very active, motivated and keen to learn;
it’s quite inspiring to see. It is a great opportunity for all of us
EUTM trainers to operate in a multinational environment. Morale
is always high around the camp. I am very happy to be here and
look forward to producing quality Somali NCOs at the end of the
training cycle.
Lieutenant Raul Marco Olivera (Spain) – Budget & Finance Officer at HQ EUTM Somalia
One of the most interesting aspects I would like to highlight is that, in spite of its relative small size,
EUTM Somalia has a complete Operational Headquarters deployed here in Kampala. In the case of
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the J8 cell, this implies you have to be aware of all the facts that
have financial consequences, not only in Kampala or Bihanga
but also in our cells in Nairobi or Brussels. For that reason you
can manage to have a comprehensive view of a whole operation
eventually, which is very enriching and I’m sure it will be a useful
skill for my future operations. On the other hand, I also find it
very challenging to work in a multicurrency environment, trying to
control the impacts on the budget of the ever-changing exchange
rates. That is something that I don’t have to consider at home in
my national posting, where I only work in Euros.
Sergeant Sandra Murphy (Ireland) – Information Technology Specialist at HQ EUTM
Somalia
I work at the Military Administration School in the Defence
Forces Training Centre, Ireland. This is my 3rd tour of duty
overseas but my first mission to Africa. It was a much sought
after appointment in the Irish Defence Forces and I was very
excited to be selected. My posting is a J6 CIS IT Specialist role
and I carry out my duties both in the mission headquarters in
Kampala and at Bihanga Training Centre. In the line of my
work there are many daily technical challenges but thankfully
we are able to overcome most of them eventually! I enjoy
immensely working with a multi-national task force and this
mission is proving to be a very enjoyable experience in my
military career.

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Troop Contributing Nations (TCN)
to EUTM Somalia
Troop Contributing Nations (TCN) to EUTM Somalia
EUTM Somalia has benefited from the generous contribution of military and civilian personnel from 15
European countries since its inception in 2010. The success of the mission is rooted amidst the men
and women who serve in the four EUTM Somalia locations of Kampala, Bihanga, Brussels and Niarobi.
Their collective EUTM Somalia professionalism, has benefited wealth from the of generous experience contribution and dedication of military to and the civilian successful personnel fulfillment of the
from 15 European countries since its inception in 2010. The success of the mission is rooted
mission amidst has known the men no and bounds. women who The serve table in the below four highlights EUTM Somalia the locations personnel of Kampala, contributions Bihanga, of the various
European Brussels TCNs and to date. Niarobi. (Note: Their The collective figures professionalism, reflect the planned wealth of experience totals for and Mandate dedication 1 & to 2, the accurate at time
of publishing successful – June fulfillment 2012) of the mission has known no bounds. The table below highlights the
personnel contributions of the various European TCNS to date. (Note: The figures reflect the
planned totals for Mandate 1 & 2, accurate at time of publishing – June 2012)
Germany 65
Romania 1
Sweden 24
Ireland 38
Malta 16
Serbia 1
Luxembourg 1
Hungary 18
France 158
Spain 148
United Kingdom 12
Portugal 91
Cyprus 1
Finland 23
Italy 54
Belgium 24