The course was designed to build up from the basics of British Urban Doctrine such as weapon handling or how an individual moves to how a Platoon might defend an urban area, adding complexity throughout two weeks with each group. Training was conducted concurrently with Sections looking at skills and drills whilst command elements conducted conceptual training and planning exercises to make the most of the short time frame. Then this was put together and analysed throughout several test exercises, each a tougher test than the last to prove the concept and give confidence to the exercising troops. The training audience jumped at this opportunity and showed us exemplary commitment and ability to learn and adapt to our methods. They were then able to show off their developed skills in an afternoon attack watched by their senior command and embassy officials, during which they excelled themselves.
The training programme was elevated by the first use of a British built Urban Training Complex on the North Macedonians largest training area which offers the ability for them to develop their urban doctrine to a higher standard than they have previously been able to. This alongside the steady stream of short-term training teams that have been delivering a variety of programmes from promotional cadres to education development is showing how committed the UK is to encourage greater military ties with the Balkan nation.
