“The defence relationship is only part of the relationship that we have between our two nations, but I am delighted that in the eleven months that I have been here, I have seen this relationship grow and develop,” he said.
Ambassador Crorkin, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan as a soldier, made this statement at the Gambia Armed Forces training school in Fajara where a graduation ceremony was held for thirty-eight Gambia Armed Forces members, who completed a three-week drill and duties training course.
The course was conducted by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and is in accordance with the CDS training directive 2015. The objective of the course was to broaden the skills and knowledge base of the participants.
Crorkin told the gathering: “I am delighted that the United Kingdom has this opportunity to pass on the vital training and share the experiences that we learned over many years and through many conflicts.
“The Gambian Armed Forces as a result of the training are in a better position to contribute to international peace-keeping forces as you do so professionally in Darfur. In these roles, you are not only members of the Gambia Armed Forces; you are representatives of the Gambian nation and the Gambian people. How you perform in those roles influences what other people think of this nation and again, I am delighted that UK’s contribution to your training would help to make that a positive impression that people gain.
“I know that the respect you gained in Darfur is something you can be proud of and I hope that we can continue to develop the training that we can provide to you to make you even more professional and further enhance your capability. To all of you who had this training, I have no doubt that it will strengthen you in very good state.”
Also speaking, the Inspectorate of GAF, Commodore Sillah Kujabi, said: “It is obvious that it has not been an easy three weeks for you, knowing how the training school ground used to be during such training courses. I would at this juncture like to urge you all to share what you have learned with your colleagues who could not be part of the course. This can further boost the drill performances of your respective units during ceremonial functions such as honorary guards, guards of honours, Independence and 22 July parades and as well as inter unit and inter service drill competitions respectively.”
Training director, Samba Bah, said: “The drill has enabled commanders to quickly move their forces from one point to another, mass their forces into battle formation that afforded maximum fire power, and manoeuvres those forces as the situation developed. It is based on this background that the drill and its importance cannot be over emphasised in the military and Gambia Armed Forces in particular. Drill therefore produces a soldier who is proud, alert and obedient.”
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