Commandant Kenya Naval Training College (KNTC) Colonel Eliud Keter on Tuesday, 28 February 2023, officially launched the inaugural Kenya Navy Marine Commandos Basic Training Course.
Facilitated by the UK Royal Marines, the Course comprises 30 participants drawn from the Kenya Navy Special Operations Squadron (SOS) made up of the Diving Unit, Special Boat Unit and Marines (ranger regiment).
During the colorful ceremony held at the College’s ground, Col Keter welcomed the Royal Marines team to Kenya Navy stating that their presence and expertise are critical in the formation of a lean Marine Commandos Unit in the Navy.
He congratulated the course participants for making it into the program after a rigorous selection process.
“These 12 weeks training journey will test your physical and mental limits but successful completion of the course will be very substantial and worthwhile to you and to KN at large,” said the commandant.
He emphasized on stringent observation of military discipline, personal bearing, timeliness, professionalism and respect to authority in adherence to strict standards of the training. He further underscored the necessity of teamwork and cooperation during the training period to make it a success.
The Commandant also thanked the UK Government for the support and collaboration a demonstration of strong bonds between the two countries.
The Commander SOS Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Rono noted that the Course is critical to the Navy as it forms an important milestone in efforts of forming a fully-fledged, mission capable Marine Corps.
Lt Col Rono added that the participants will be expected to gain skills in tactical combat casualty care, weapon handling techniques, close quarter battle, communications and amphibious operations during the three phased training.
The British Kenya Marines Commandos and Team Commander at UK 40 Commando Royal Marines Captain Toby Robeson, was grateful for being accorded the rare opportunity of training the first batch of Kenya Navy Marines Commandos.
“Our job here is not easy as we are not going to be training the Marines as we do to civilians/recruits. This is a more complicated case as we are looking on how the Kenya Navy Marines operate to help us understand their culture of training to incorporate with UK Royal Marines Commandos values and standards. However, we are up to the task” said Capt Toby.
The 14-week Course is geared towards producing an elite first–of–its–kind Marines Commandos Unit, which is lean, competent and capable, specialized in neutralizing threats at sea as well as on land.
