Field Reconnaissance: A team of Spanish instructors begins a military physical training course for the Senegalese Armed Forces

• This Cooperative Security Activity contributes to capacity building and the promotion of stability in the African country

A team of Spanish instructors has this month launched a new physical training course for the Senegalese Armed Forces, as part of Cooperative Security Activities (ASC in Spanish).

This activity aims to adopt a comprehensive approach to the planning, management and coordination of physical training, focusing on training in the various sporting disciplines that form the basis of the Senegalese military personnel’s preparation. It is being conducted under the direction of Major F.I.A. Bodian, head of the Senegalese Army’s Sports Battalion and commander of the unit, who oversees the training programme and coordination with the team of Spanish instructors.

Meanwhile, Colonel Fernando Lechuga, Defence Advisor at the Spanish Embassy in Senegal (ASDEF in Spanish), paid an official visit to the facilities. During the visit, he took an interest in the progress of the training and possible future avenues of collaboration in the field of military physical training in this African country.

It is also worth noting that a Senegalese officer is currently undertaking a Diploma course in Physical Education in Spain. This demonstrates the interoperability between the two armed forces and helps to strengthen ties in the field of training.

The Bataillon des Sports is the leading unit in Senegal for physical and sports training, responsible for the training of the Army, as well as other branches of the Defence and Security Forces, such as the police and the gendarmerie. This activity will therefore help to strengthen its capabilities, subsequently acting as a multiplier effect across the entire Senegalese armed forces.

This initiative forms part of Spain’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities of partner countries, contributing to international stability through cooperation and mutual support. In an increasingly demanding strategic environment, having prepared and resilient forces is essential to ensuring an effective response to security challenges.