Training the Zambian Defence Force: Lance Corporal Abbott
LCpl Abbott delivered medical lessons to the Zambian Defence Force, who have deployed to the Central African Republic. He was on a short term deployment, working with the British Peace Support team in Africa (BPSTA), to help deliver a pre-deployment package to a 1000 strong Battlegroup.
LCpl Abbott is a Combat Medic. As part of the Short Term Training Team (STTT), he was deployed in Zambia in April this year to work under the BPSTA. The short term deployment to Nanking, Zambia, comprised of nine personnel from the British Army.
The aim was to deliver a comprehensive package of pre-deployment training to a 1000 strong Battlegroup, who have now deployed to the Central African Republic.
The training is part of the MoD’s on-going commitment to the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA CAR).
I was offered the opportunity to deploy to Zambia and I jumped at the chance.
I had two roles while in Zambia. My priority was to deliver medical lessons to the Zambian Defence Force in preparation for deployment and provide medical cover for the British Army training team.
The British Army training team in Zambia focused on key areas; Tactical infantry, Medical, Human Security, Military Police and Engagement teams.
I initially joined the British Army to explore and see the world. I have only been in it three years and I have been on the African continent twice now (previously in Kenya).
This deployment is important as it allows me to gain experience and confidence in my role and deliver training to another force. Not many jobs offer this.
The British Army training team in Zambia focused on key areas; Tactical infantry, Medical, Human Security, Military Police and Engagement teams.
As a combat medic, my main duties when not on operation involve providing support in medical centres and range support. While on exercises, I act as the combat medic for the company.
Zambia has been great. The people are really nice and I seemed to get along really well with the Zambian soldiers. While out there, I managed to see Victoria Falls waterfall on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe — I didn’t expect to see this. It has been by far one of my favourite trips with the jobs so far.
I will miss Zambia, it’s immense and the country is awesome!
Find out where else the UK Armed Forces are deployed here:
