EUTM Somalia successfully ends the 7th Platoon and Company leaders Course

• 40 Somali students received their certificates from the Training Team members

The latest Platoon and Company Commander Course (PLCC) for Somali servicemen concluded successfully at the General Dhagabadan Training Center (GDTC). The Training Team of the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM-S), which includes Spanish military personnel, is responsible for providing these instruction and training activities.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most lessons were taught through the Distance Learning System (DLS), which was introduced this spring at EUTM-S as a successful solution to the problem posed by the pandemic. These distance classes have been complemented with face-to-face classes at the GDTC.

Current edition’s format represents a step forward in respect of former Junior Leaders courses which were carried out regularly at EUTM-S since 2016.

Those courses were scheduled to train future commanders prior to the arrival of their Light Infantry Company which they will have to lead and train by squads, platoons and company itself. Seven editions of this course format were executed, with over 100 officers trained.

Since 2019, with the new format, the training of officers became independent in respect of the arrival of a Light Infantry Company for its instruction, so that after graduation, students can already join as platoon and company commanders.

In addition, this course complements the Train the Trainers courses (TtT) as a tool to improve leadership among Somali Army officers. Two PLCC courses under the new format have already been given to around 80 officers.