The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) on Monday 12 February 2018 started a week-long capacity building training programme for twelve (12) of its middle and senior level officers as well as four (04) others from the Gambia Police Force, Department of Immigration and Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) on Psychology of Leadership at the GAF Training School (GAFTS) in Bakau. The training which is being conducted by the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst (RMAS) is intended to improve the leadership qualities and skills of these officers as well as their capability to professionally carry out their functions.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Masanneh Kinteh stated that the training forms part of his reform agenda for the Gambia Armed Forces. CDS Kinteh further noted that the aim of the course is to increase the capacity of officers stressing that his focus is on developing the professional mindset of members of the Armed Forces. He indicated that this can be achieved by redirecting their thoughts as regards their roles in the new democratic dispensation.
General Kinteh went further to stress that these reforms cannot, therefore be achieved without capacity building programs like these from our development partners. He reasoned that in as much as the Gambia Armed Forces is offering continuous training her men and women under command, it is imperative that the officers who command them receive the proper training.
He concluded by stating that the advent of the new Gambia has given the armed forces a new beginning to equip her leadership with the right knowledge and skills.
In his welcome remarks, the Commandant of the GAFTS Colonel Paul S. Gomez said that leadership in any organisation plays a pivotal role in the achievement of organisational goals and objectives. He indicated that the training will greatly impart knowledge and skills to the participants and also expose them to various military leadership theories.
In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Professor Colonel (retired) Ronnie McCourt dwelled on the importance of the training, saying the officers will be engaged in series of exercises that will help reveal the interesting development of psychology to them.
