EUMAM Mozambique coordinates the arrival of new Quick Reaction Forces

•  The integration of specialised Mobile Training Teams is also under way

The Spanish contingent deployed in the European Union Military Assistance Mission in Mozambique (EUMAM Mozambique) is coordinating the arrival of new Quick Reaction Forces (QRF), as well as the integration of Mobile Training Teams (MTT) in support of the Mozambique Defence Armed Forces (FADM, by its Portuguese acronym).

Regarding the new units, a Rifle Company has arrived from Cabo Delgado to reinforce the 3rd Maritime Quick Reaction Force (QRF). Over the past two weeks, the unit has completed medical and administrative checks and, in the coming days, will undergo physical assessments prior to entering the standardisation phase. This joint effort is further reinforced by the arrival of the Army’s first QRF, which will shortly begin its reception phase.

As for the integration of Mobile Training Teams (MTT), this month the Austrian reconnaissance team has been received and will prepare the deployment, in March, of specialised instructors in ammunition and explosives storage and maintenance.

A request from the FADM for support from France has been coordinated through its Armed Forces in the Southern Indian Ocean (FAZSOI), in areas such as vehicle maintenance and Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED). In this logistical domain, Spanish Commander César Palomo Bernardos is actively contributing to ensuring proper sustainment and the effective integration of these new capabilities within the Mozambican forces.

Training under realistic conditions

To ensure that forces operate effectively, it is essential to have fully trained and prepared units. In this regard, the Mission Training Branch (J7), led by Spanish Lieutenant Colonel Bernardo González-Lázaro Sueiras, has proposed “Operation Southern Reach”. This initiative envisages the establishment of an Extended Training Zone (ETZ) south of Katembe, overcoming current space limitations and enabling training under highly realistic conditions.

The operation will be entirely led by the FADM and will integrate communication activities, Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) and medical support. The aim is to foster civilian cooperation and strengthen the institutional image of the local armed forces.

Assessment and experience

At the same time, personnel from the 3rd QRF have begun an assessment phase to evaluate their recent experience in the area of operations. Through the conduct of Command Post Exercises (CPX) based on real-life scenarios in Cabo Delgado, the multinational team of mentors is analysing the strengths and areas for improvement of the local units.

This work facilitates the identification of lessons that may be applied in the future across the FADM. It also contributes to updating Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP), aligning the training cycle with the actual requirements of the operational environment. This effort is essential to supporting regional stabilisation in the face of the threat posed by international terrorism.