6 Ways African Militaries Gain Combat Experience

The military landscape in Africa is complex and multifaceted, with various countries facing unique security challenges. One crucial aspect of building effective military forces is gaining combat experience. African militaries have employed several strategies to acquire such experience, often through a combination of domestic and international efforts.

African Militaries' Pursuit of Combat Experience

African militaries recognize the importance of combat experience in enhancing their capabilities and readiness. This pursuit of experience is driven by various factors, including the need to counter internal security threats, participate in regional peacekeeping missions, and demonstrate national sovereignty.

Challenges Faced by African Militaries

African militaries face numerous challenges in gaining combat experience, including:

• Limited resources: Many African countries have limited financial and material resources to devote to military training and operations.
• Lack of institutional capacity: Weak institutional frameworks and inadequate training infrastructure hinder the ability of African militaries to effectively prepare for and engage in combat.
• Regional security dynamics: The complex and often volatile security environment in Africa can make it difficult for militaries to gain meaningful combat experience.

1. Domestic Operations and Training Exercises

African militaries often gain combat experience through domestic operations and training exercises. These exercises provide opportunities for troops to hone their skills in a controlled environment, test new tactics and strategies, and build cohesion and unit effectiveness.

Examples of domestic operations and training exercises include:

• Counter-terrorism operations: Many African countries face internal security threats from terrorist groups, and domestic operations provide valuable experience for militaries in counter-terrorism tactics and strategies.
• Border security: African militaries often engage in border security operations to prevent smuggling, poaching, and other illicit activities.
• Peacekeeping and stability operations: African militaries may participate in domestic peacekeeping and stability operations to maintain order and stability in areas affected by conflict or unrest.

2. Regional Peacekeeping Missions

African militaries also gain combat experience through participation in regional peacekeeping missions. These missions provide opportunities for troops to engage in real-world operations, work with international partners, and develop their skills in a variety of areas, including logistics, command and control, and tactical operations.

Examples of regional peacekeeping missions include:

• African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM): This mission has provided valuable experience for African militaries in counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and stability operations.
• United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA): This mission has provided opportunities for African militaries to engage in peacekeeping and stability operations in a challenging environment.

3. International Training and Cooperation

African militaries also gain combat experience through international training and cooperation. This cooperation can take many forms, including bilateral training exercises, multilateral peacekeeping missions, and participation in international military competitions.

Examples of international training and cooperation include:

• United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) training exercises: AFRICOM conducts regular training exercises with African militaries to enhance their capabilities and build relationships.
• European Union (EU) training missions: The EU has conducted training missions in several African countries to enhance the capabilities of local militaries.
• International military competitions: African militaries participate in international military competitions, such as the International Military Games, to test their skills and build relationships with other militaries.

4. Coalition Building and Partnerships

African militaries also gain combat experience through coalition building and partnerships. These partnerships can provide opportunities for troops to engage in joint operations, share knowledge and expertise, and build relationships with other militaries.

Examples of coalition building and partnerships include:

• The G5 Sahel: This regional coalition brings together five Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger) to address common security challenges.
• The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF): This regional coalition brings together several West African countries to address the threat posed by Boko Haram.

5. Counter-Terrorism Operations

African militaries also gain combat experience through counter-terrorism operations. These operations provide opportunities for troops to engage in real-world operations, test new tactics and strategies, and build cohesion and unit effectiveness.

Examples of counter-terrorism operations include:

• Operation Barkhane: This French-led operation in the Sahel region provides opportunities for African militaries to engage in counter-terrorism operations and build relationships with international partners.
• Operation Shujaa: This African Union-led operation in Somalia provides opportunities for African militaries to engage in counter-terrorism operations and build relationships with international partners.

6. Lessons Learned and Capacity Building

Finally, African militaries gain combat experience through lessons learned and capacity building. This process involves identifying best practices, sharing knowledge and expertise, and building institutional capacity to enhance the effectiveness of military operations.

Examples of lessons learned and capacity building include:

• The African Union's Peace Support Operations Division: This division provides training and capacity building for African militaries to enhance their peacekeeping and stability operations capabilities.
• The United Nations' Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System: This system provides a framework for African militaries to assess their readiness and build capacity for peacekeeping operations.

African Militaries Image Gallery

In conclusion, African militaries gain combat experience through a variety of strategies, including domestic operations and training exercises, regional peacekeeping missions, international training and cooperation, coalition building and partnerships, counter-terrorism operations, and lessons learned and capacity building. These experiences are crucial for enhancing the capabilities and readiness of African militaries, and for addressing the complex security challenges facing the continent.