The U.S. Embassy in Freetown, in collaboration with its contracting partner, Triple Canopy, launched a comprehensive six-month training program for 40 members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) on October 2, 2023. This specialized training, consisting of six distinct courses, is taking place at Triple Canopy’s Depot facility in Murray Town, Freetown. The primary objective of this initiative is to equip RSLAF personnel from the Engineering and Logistics Units with the necessary skills to operate and maintain heavy-duty equipment in both civilian and military contexts, including disaster response scenarios.
The initial course, set to run until October 31, 2023, is centered on driving, operating, and maintaining 3-ton forklift trucks. Upon successful completion of this training, RSLAF trainees will be proficient in utilizing these forklift trucks for various military and civilian construction projects.
During the opening ceremony, Major General Dauda Alpha, Commander of the Joint Force, stressed the critical importance of the training, encouraging RSLAF trainees to fully engage in the program, recognizing it as an essential capacity-building tool for the RSLAF. Brigadier General Abu Conteh, Assistant Chief of Defense Staff for Training and Doctrine at the Ministry of Defense, emphasized the vital role of training in the development of a military organization, likening it to oxygen for the armed forces. He expressed gratitude to the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. government for their unwavering support and commitment to training the RSLAF, acknowledging its significant impact on the military’s preparedness and relevance.
