Photo By Andrea Chaney | KATHMANDU, Nepal - Maj. James Cousen, from 3rd Battalion, "The Rifles," a British army...... read more read more
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By Capt. Andi Hahn, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
KATHMANDU, Nepal - Maj. James Cousen, from 3rd Battalion, "The Rifles,” an infantry regiment in the British army, attended a staff exercise during Shanti Prayas-2 in Kathmandu, Nepal, March 25 to April 7.
The exercise brought together officers from 23 different nations to plan, coordinate and execute peacekeeping training scenarios that can be applied directly to real-world United Nations missions.
The two-week training exercise is part of the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), a U.S. State Department program executed in the region by facilitators from U.S. Pacific Command. The training addresses major gaps in international peacekeeping operations. The program aims to build and maintain capability, capacity, and effectiveness of peacekeepers deploying to United Nations missions.
Since it joined the United Nations as a founding member in 1945, the U.K. has been an active member in U.N. missions throughout the world, predominately in Africa.
“During my career, the only peacekeeping operation I have been a part of was in Kosovo in 2008 as part of the KFOR,” Cousen said. “We acted as a peacekeeping force maintaining the peace between Kosovo populations.”
As a large player within the world and the U.N. community, Cousen said it’s good the U.K. has a representative at Shanti Prayas-2 to exchange ideas, learn from other nations, and take lessons learned back to the U.K.
“I didn’t know much about the construct of the exercise, so having no prior expectations, what I have experienced here so far has been hugely beneficial,” Cousen said. “In general, it’s been an eye-opener as to what the U.N. structure staff planning processes are and how to implement them on the ground.”
Cousen said he learned the most from the subject matter experts, both from the military aspect and the humanitarian experts.
“They are all very knowledgeable and have a wealth of experience from various missions to pass on to not just myself but the other nations here,” he said.
Cousen said it’s beneficial working with other countries during the exercise because in today’s global society it is rare that any country’s military would be operating unilaterally.
“Wherever you may be operating in the world, you will be working with not just the local population, but there is bound to be other military organizations involved, whether its part of a coalition or a U.N. force, but also a host of other actors like non-governmental organizations, contractors, etc.,” he said.
Cousen also said the Nepalese army, who hosted the peacekeeping exercise this year, was always friendly and welcome.
“They have been fantastic on every level,” he said. “The staff they provided has been keen and experienced. Having been on U.N. peacekeeping missions themselves, they have passed on their personal experiences and advice. I am exceptionally impressed with the Nepalese army."
“I came here to get involved and do U.K.’s part in the peacekeeping process,” said Cousen. “I’ll take back fond memories of Nepal, relationships with other countries, and most importantly, knowledge on how the U.N. operates."
| Date Taken: | 04.04.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 04.10.2013 21:12 |
| Story ID: | 104979 |
| Location: | KATHMANDU, NP |
| Web Views: | 416 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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