HOME OF THE INFANTRY
BRIEF HISTORY
Gambia National Army was established on 08 Nov 1984. Trained by the British Army Training Team (BATT). The BATT was headed by Maj Wright and the training wing was in Yundum Barracks.
During the initial establishment and creation of the Army in the Gambia, Yundum Barracks underwent some command appointments, management and responsibilities. The Army was a Company then, commanded by Col Ndow Njie. The first Adjutant was Lt Ben Wilson and the first RSM was Ismaila Faye (Kampala) who took over from John Frinpon a Ghanian RSM. Yundum barracks became a Battalion in 1989 shortly after the passing out of intake (12). In 1992, The Nigerian Army’s tactical team came in shortly before the British (BATT) left. Yundum Barracks was later commanded by Col Odu. In the of advent of 22 July revolution, the Bn was commanded by Lt Basiru Barrow.
The barracks being the first battalion established earned the name First Infantry Battalion and Home of the Infantry. She was presented with her colour the following year and her motto, ‘’Loyalty and courage’’ was added. In 1992, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Gambian Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding so that the Nigerian Army would give technical assistance to the Gambia Army.
The Nigerian Army Technical Assistance Group was sent to the Gambia with the aim of restructuring the army. During that period, the Army underwent both structural and administrative changes. Its HQ was moved from Yundum barracks to the Army HQ in Banjul and Yundum barracks remain 1 Infantry Battalion.
ROLE OF 1BN
As gazetted in the constitution of The Gambia and being part of the GAF whose responsibilities and functions is to protect the territorial integrity and internal security of the Gambia. 1Bn is tasked to provide the following security duties and function.
- Security within her Area of Responsibility
- Border Line Security.
- Key Instillation Security.
- Maintainance of Civil and Military Relationship.
- Peacekeeping Operation.
Activities.
1Bn is daily and periodically engaged on internal training, ranging from drills and tactics. The activities include the following:
- Officers capacity building includes cane and foot drill.
- Instructional cadre for both SNCO and JNCOs.
- Advance training for the forthcoming TOT.
- Battalion sport 2 x day a week.
- National ceremonies.
- Border Security etc.
- Peace support operations.
