Kenya Navy Marine Commandos Training Course Unveiled
The Kenya Navy Marine Commandos Basic Training Course was officially launched on February 28, 2023, by the Commandant Kenya Naval Training College (KNTC) Colonel Eliud Keter in a colourful ceremony held at the College's grounds in Mombasa.
Facilitated by the UK Royal Marines, the Course brings together 30 participants drawn from the Kenya Navy Special Operations Squadron (SOS), made up of the Diving Unit, Special Boat Unit and Marines (ranger regiment).
During the ceremony, Col Keter welcomed the Royal Marines team to Kenya Navy, stating that their presence and expertise are critical in forming a lean Marine Commandos Unit in the Navy.
He congratulated the course participants for making it into the program after a rigorous selection process.
"These 12 weeks training journey will test your physical and mental limits but successful completion of the course will be very substantial and worthwhile to you and to Kenya Navy at large," said the commandant.
He emphasized stringent observation of military discipline, personal bearing, timeliness, professionalism and respect to the authority in adherence to strict training standards. He further underscored the necessity of teamwork and cooperation during the training period to make it a success.
The commandant also thanked the UK Government for the support and collaboration, demonstrating strong bonds between the two countries.
The Commander SOS Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Rono noted that the Course is critical to the Navy as it forms an important milestone in developing a fully-fledged, mission-capable Marine Corps.
Lt. Col Rono added that during the three-phased training, the participants will be expected to gain tactical combat casualty care skills, weapon handling techniques, close-quarter battle, communications and amphibious operations.
The British Kenya Marines Commandos and Team Commander at UK 40 Commando Royal Marines, Captain Toby Robeson, was grateful for being accorded the rare opportunity of training the first batch of Kenya Navy Marines Commandos.
"Our job here is not easy as we are not going to be training the Marines as we do to civilians/recruits. This is a more complicated case as we are looking at how the Kenya Navy Marines operate to help us understand their training culture to incorporate with UK Royal Marines Commandos' values and standards. However, we are up to the task," said Capt Toby.
The 14-week Course is geared towards producing an elite first–of–its–kind Marines Commandos Unit, which is lean, competent and capable, specializing in neutralizing threats at sea and on land.
©Standard Gazette, 2021. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s publisher is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Standard Gazette with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.