MSB trained the Montenegrin Defence Forces in risk and security
Training in risk and security is part of the peace support that MSB provides within the framework of civilian crisis management. MSB has cooperated for many years with the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and has more specifically supported the OSCE field mission in Montenegro since 2021.
The aim of the support to the OSCE Field Mission is to reduce security risks related to unplanned explosions at munition sites and to prevent the proliferation of light weapons and munition.
Two intensive weeks of training
Earlier this year, MSB's team was on site in Montenegro and trained their Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces in systematic fire protection work. Now it was the turn for eight of them to be trained as instructors in fire protection, risk and security, which was carried out during two intensive weeks at Räddningsskolan, Rosersberg.
The participants in the instructor training are professional firefighters from the Army, Navy and Air Force in Montenegro, who have been given the opportunity to develop their skills in one of MSB's training areas together with experienced practitioners. The training is regulated according to international requirements and practices and is an important part of strengthening Europe's resilience, to which MSB contributes its expertise.
Instructors pass on their knowledge at home
During the weeks, representatives of the Montenegrin Armed Forces have learnt several ways to fight fire, structural firefighting, forest firefighting, chemical environments, search and rescue, medical first response, ammunition fires and electrical safety. These trained instructors will now develop and deliver similar training in Montenegro to further develop the preventive and reactive capabilities of the armed forces.
─ We would like to give special thanks to the Räddningsskolan in Rosersberg for providing such a suitable training programme in terms of both expertise and training facilities. The participants also had the opportunity to practice together with Attunda Fire Department in their forest fire exercise, which was highly appreciated by the participants. It was very pleasant to see how all actors, including the participants of course, contributed with their time and knowledge to make this a successful training. I’m looking forward to the continuation where the next step is for the instructors to further train their colleagues back home in Montenegro", says Ulrika Hedman, project manager at MSB.
Enhanced fire protection as a result of the training
In the evaluation, participants stated that they were very satisfied with the methodology, plan and dynamics of the training, as well as the expertise and professionalism of the Swedish instructors. The instructor training will have a significant impact on increasing fire protection in the Montenegrin Armed Forces, which will be enriched with eight fire instructors. The instructors will transfer the acquired knowledge and skills to their respective units.