Articles on UN Peacekeeper training and links to institutions concerned with UN Peacekeeping - UN PKO Training, SHIRBRIG, US Institute of Peace. Information about the often controversial debates of Private Military Companies (PMCs) and military troop training by foreign countires are also found here.
Peacekeeper and Military Troop Training
Articles
US Foreign Military Training Global Reach, Global Power (February 2002)
US government's training programs for foreign military and police forces have the potential of enhancing peacekeeping forces. Yet these programs should be kept under the close scrutiny of the Congress and the public. (Foreign Policy in Focus)
A Continent in Crying Need of Peacekeepers (October 15, 2004)
The G-8 countries plan to train 75,000 African peacekeepers to work in the continent and possibly beyond. A recent study shows that peacekeeping offers "the best return on donor investment" compared with sanctions and development assistance. Although an African peacekeeping force is vital to building security in the region, this article by UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Marie Guéhenno cautions against ignoring other forms of intervention and calls for "reforming the security forces, supporting the rule of law and laying the foundations for economic growth" in African nations. (International Herald Tribune)
Pentagon Challenge: Build an Afghan Army (April 11, 2002)
The Pentagon plans to deploy its special forces to jump-start the Afghani army. Yet the task of creating an ethnically balanced and a government-controlled army is not easy. (Christian Science Monitor)
Multi-Ethnic Military Takes Shape in Kabul (April 4, 2002)
The new Afghan National Guard, trained by international peacekeepers, is the first attempt to forge a military unity among the multi-ethnic groups that have often fought against each other in the past. (Washington Post )
Help Africa Help Itself Militarily (March 18,2002)
If the US seriously wants the African countries to help themselves, why cut the budget for the African Crisis Response Initiative (ACRI), a US-sponsored African military training program? (Baltimore Sun)
US Overseas Military Training Grows Out of Sight (January 31, 2002)
The report by Foreign Policy in Focus warns against the US's rapid expansion of military ties with countries accused of questionable human rights records. As the Bush administration appears to make critical oversight of these programs more difficult, the US can consequently "foster, rather than hinder, terrorism." (OneWorld US)
France Continues Peacekeeping Initiative for Africa (January 23, 2002)
France hopes to reinforce African soldier's peacekeeping capacity through the Reinforcement of African Capacity to Maintain Peace (RECAMP) initiatives. (Panafrican News Agency)
Preparations for French-led African Peacekeeping Exercises Complete (September 21, 2001)
More than 25 countries will participate in the multinational peacekeeping exercises under France's Reinforce African Peacekeeping Capacities (RECAMP) project.( Agence France Presse).
Brigade Level Peacekeeping Exercise Begins (July 10, 2001)
As part of the African Crisis Response Initiative (ACRI) program, the US European Command has begun training Senegalese and Malawian officers for peacekeeping missions in West Africa. (All Africa)
In Nepal, Annan Pledges UN Support for Peacekeeping Training Centre (March 13, 2001)
The Asia Regional Center for Peace and Disarmament could soon move from New York to Kathmandu to become part of a new training center in Nepal. The King of Nepal, Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, wants to "see the UN stronger and more effective". (UN News Center)
UK to Get UN Military College (October 5, 2000)
The proposed UK college would run peacekeeping courses for officers of the armed forces of other countries. The UK Government acknowledged a need to improve the UN's rapid deployment capabilities and would be reviewing UK services' training and exercise programmes for the college to enhance training. (Press Association)
Africa Needs Well-Trained, Well-Equipped Peacekeepers To Meet Crises (August 3, 2000)
Kofi Annan addressed a crowd at the opening of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Ghana, emphasizing Ghana's great 40 year dedication to UN peacekeeping. (M2 Presswire)
Links and Resources
United Nations Peacekeeping Training Unit
The Training and Evaluation Service was established by the General Assembly in order to coordinate and standardize training among Member States that contribute to peacekeeping
African Crisis Response Initiative
Supported by the US State Department, ACRI is aimed at enhancing the capacity of African nations to better perform peacekeeping and relief tasks.
IAPTC: International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centers
IAPTC suggests that standards/certification for peacekeeping training should be created.
RECAMP: Reinforcement of African Peackeeping Capacities
RECAMP, a joint action of France's Defense and Foreign Ministries, aims to strengthen African countries' capacities to maintain security on the African continent.
Training Standards of the Stand-by High Readiness Brigade (SHIRBRIG)
Outlines the standards of peacekeeping training and education set by SHIRBRIG, a high readiness force made available to the UN for rapid employment by eleven countries. SHIRBRIG aims at standardizing training objectives in all participating countries to make the high readiness brigade more effective.
Training US Army Officers for Peace Operations: Lessons from Bosnia
Report released by the United States Institute of Peace in October 1999 analyzing the deficiencies and opportunities in peacekeeper training.
Private Military Companies
Articles
Private Military Companies: Options for Regulation (February 12,2002)
The Green Paper by the UK's Foreign Office analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of private military companies (PMC). A strong and reputable PMC might enhance the UN's capability to respond rapidly and effectively in a crisis. Yet are we really ready to "privatize peace"? (Foreign and Commonwealth Office)
States Clarify Rules for Security Contractors (September 17, 2008)
Seventeen countries including Afghanistan, China, Iraq, the UK and the US signed the Montreux document that outlines international humanitarian and human rights law, binding private military companies and the countries that hire them. Governments that use security contractors abroad wanted to clarify the rules for private military companies, especially after the Blackwater scandal where US security contractors killed 17 Iraqi civilians. (The Star)
Private Security Companies and Local Populations – An Explanatory Study on Afghanistan and Angola (April 2008)
Case studies by Swisspeace in Afghanistan and Angola show that civilians generally have a negative view of private military companies (PMC). Civilians in Afghanistan do not trust PMC's because they mistreat the local population, carry heavy arms and allegedly are involved in criminal activities. In Angola, where military and governmental officials lead PMC's, a lack of regulation for these companies causes concerns about their recruitment and training.
UN Rejects Private Peacekeepers (August 27, 2004)
Even though the Department of Peacekeeping Operations faces a shortage of troops, the UN is skeptical about privatizing peacekeeping forces. Some critics' concerns include "[jeopardizing] norms of neutrality among aid groups and... further multiplication of armed forces on the ground." (Inter Press News)
Firm Seeks Charles Taylor Bounty (December 11, 2003)
Former Liberian president Charles Taylor lives in luxurious asylum in Nigeria although a UN-backed court has indicted for him for war crimes. According to the BBC, a private military firm has offered to kidnap Taylor and turn him over to the court. The US Congress allegedly earmarked $2 million for Taylor's capture.
The Privatization of War (December 10, 2003)
A Guardian investigation finds that private military companies (PMC) grow exponentially as traditional armies shrink. Nonetheless, some military officials prefer NATO or other multilateral security structures to preserve the division between national interests and business interests.
The Private Sector's Role in Peacekeeping and Peace Enforcement (November 18, 2003)
Britain and France stepped in to revive faltering UN peacekeeping operations in Sierra Leone and DR Congo. This article points out the dangers of private sector peacekeeping involvement, but argues that the UN should consider using private contractors for logistical support. (Refugees International)
Dogs of War Take to Suits (November 18, 2003)
After the Cold War, governments became more reluctant to send their armies into remote conflicts unpopular at home. The personnel of private military companies take on these conflicts as the "new world order's mercenaries." (Inter Press Service)
Private Firms Do US Military's Work (October 29, 2003)
Private military companies (PMC) provide bodyguards for Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Coalition Provisional Authority leader Paul Bremer. But the responsibilities of most PMC employees are unclear. When Associated Press writers ask for details of employers and duties, PMC employees say, "No comment" and "I can't tell you."
America's For-Profit Secret Army (October 13, 2002)
Private military contractors, a modern version of mercenaries, are filling the gaps in the US military. "Sex rings, deals with dictators, misused military training and tragic accidents" all around the world are the results of this secretive US industry.(New York Times)
US Companies Hired to Train Foreign Armies (April 14, 2002)
"The war on terrorism is the full employment act for these [private military companies (PMCs)]," says a Pentagon spokesman. Training the Afghan army may require the hiring of some of the often controversial PMCs. (Los Angeles Times )
Soldiers of Fortune 500: International Mercenaries (Winter 2002)
Private Military Companies (PMCs) are often considered as "immoral profiteers." Contrary to the negative image however, PMCs are increasingly taking on the appearance of corporate consulting firm, according to a controversial perspective. (Harvard International Review)
Mad Mike Comes in From the Cold; Mercenaries (February 16, 2002)
Reflecting the UK's desire to take a greater part in foreign interventions, the British Foreign Minister suggests "re-branding" mercenaries as "private military companies" (PMCs) and using them for peacekeeping operations. (Economist)
It is Foolish to Rely on Mercenaries for Security (February 14, 2002)
The Independent argues that governments should invest in strengthening their regular armies, not buying "substitute forces" or "mercenaries" from elsewhere. (Independent)
Peacekeeping 'Role' for Mercenaries (February 13, 2002)
The UK's Foreign Office raised the possibility of licensing private military companies (PMC) as they may do a better and more cost-effective job than the UN peacekeeping force. Yet some officials argue that using PMCs is "an abdication of the responsibilities of government and…the high ideals of the UN." (BBC)
Privatising Protection (August/September 2001)
"Some people contribute the blood and some contribute the money", for UN PKO. But when the world does not want to offer neither, professional military companies, as the UN Secretary-General admits, "it is an option that cannot be relinquished". (World Today)
New Role for Mercenaries (August 3, 2001)
Most rich governments are "unwilling to commit troops yet unwilling to pronounce the M-word [mercenaries]" for peacekeeping. But most poor countries do not have a choice – either mercenary-protection or no protection at all. (LA Times )
Should We Privatize the Peacekeeping? (May 12, 2000)
As more countries express reluctance to contribute peacekeeping troops, a new alternative might be to hire private military companies, such as the South Africa-based Executive Outcomes (EO), to undertake peacekeeping tasks. (Washington Post)
Links and Resources
Military Professional Resources, Inc. (MPRI)
MPRI is composed of former Pentagon officers and is under contract with the US government. Its main mission is training foreign military forces.
Mission and Policy of Sandline
Sandline is a controversial company involved in providing mercenary services around the world. It calls itself a "private military company" and says it offers "military expertise in conflict resolution." Many governments consider this and other mercenary companies as an alternative to UN peacekeeping.
