The British High Commissioner, Guy Warrington and members of ISAT
posing with the Deputy Minister of Defence and the CDS

The British High Commissioner Guy Warrington accompanied by members of the International Security and Advisory Team (ISAT) visited the Deputy Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on the 24th October, 2016 at the Ministry of Defence, Tower Hill Freetown.

The purpose of the visit was mainly on the relationship between the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and International Security & Advisory Team (ISAT). Speaking to the entourage, the CDS, Lieutenant General John E Milton heartily welcomed the UK High Commissioner with the team and informed them that he would only give the military side of the assessment whilst the Deputy Minister, Rtd Captain Abdul Rahman Kamara was to give the political side.

The CDS confessed to the entourage that the International Military Advisory Team (IMATT) was the key player to RSLAF's sustenance and status, and further maintained that the Army was almost drowning when the IMATT came in to aid. He added that a lot of transformations were done by the IMATT. He confirmed with them the establishment of Horton Academy has developed the capacity and human resource of serving personnel. Lieutenant General John E Milton also stated that the presence of ISAT covered IMATT's vacuum and still enable RSLAF to organize courses and training for sister forces countrywide. He furthered that such capacity has prompted other African Countries to be confident in attending courses at the Horton Academy. The CDS also confirmed that with such professional conduct and training from ISAT, RSLAF's role in elections has been unique and professional.

He concluded by requesting for more training that will capacitate the junior non commissioned officers, and also internal security training as the world is more into asymmetric warfare. Lieutenant John E Milton confessed that RSLAF's main aspiration centers around Peace Keeping and pleaded for equipment that will empower RSLAF to take part in Peace Keeping Operations

The Deputy Minister, Captain (Rtd) Abdul Rahman Kamara also stressed on the issue of peace keeping and informed the entourage that employment and security are the two ways in which the military is contributing to Sierra Leone's developmental purposes. He further made mention on smuggling around the border areas and promised to work with other stakeholders to ensure that the safety of the populace.

Credit: Office of the Defence Spokesman