ESDC present at the 23rd annual conference of the IAPTC in Cairo
Given the increasing levels of complexity peace operations are faced with, the dilemma of having a short time in theatre and the time needed for staff to become operational, training methodology was in the spotlight at this year's conference. The keynote speaker was Prof Emile Bruneau, of the University of Pennsylvania, who spoke about the link between neuroscience and peace and conflict. Interactive training methodologies for appropriate adult learning were discussed in great detail in the various working groups.
As a member of the opening panel, the ESDC spoke on behalf of the EEAS and informed the audience of the latest EU-level developments in meeting future peacekeeping challenges since the adoption of the new Global Strategy in June 2016. Important measures have been taken in relation to structures, instruments and policies, and existing gaps have been closed to ensure better coordination between all relevant parties involved.
In relation to training, the most important milestone was the adoption of the 'EU policy on training for CSDP' in April this year. This document stresses - for the first time - the importance of training in conjunction with the duty of care aspect. Firstly, by reviewing the legal framework in which experts are being deployed. Secondly, by ensuring that the level of preparation – in the form of Pre-deployment Training (PDT) – experts have to undergo before being deployed is adequate.
Why is PDT so important? Because in the current recruitment cycle we are facing two major constraints: time and quality.
Time: The fact is that most experts stay in the field for an average of one year. This means: three months to find one's bearings, three months to initialise processes, three months to mentally prepare for the return and, in between, the obligatory vacation times. All in all, this does not leave much room for contributing in a sustainable manner to the implementation of the mission mandate. As a result, it is of utmost importance that mission staff is prepared in the best possible manner in order to be able to settle into mission life as soon as possible and to start contributing to the process.
Quality: In relation to quality, the organisation to which the member of staff is attached is best placed to deliver this training. In Brussels the ESDC, as the official training arm of the CSDP, runs PDT on a monthly basis with the support of Member States. The advantage of running PDT at Headquarters is that subject matter experts and actual Mission Points of Contact train the future staff in person. The briefings are tailored to the individual assignments according to the latest state of play!
In relation to the overall aim of addressing this dilemma (short time in theatre coupled with time needed for staff to become operational), the ESDC sees this training as a complementary measure in the overall preparatory process.
The PDT is the last stage in the training cycle that introduces future mission staff to the common management culture and organisational identity of the EU. It is not a competitive undertaking designed to diminish the role of Member States and their function as seconding agencies.
Upon arrival in the field, the newcomer will be provided with everything they need to know about daily mission life during Induction Training - delivered by the mission - thereby closing the training cycle.
