Land Release Training Course - 109th Partnership for Peace Course
Within the framework of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) Programme, the Swiss Government, through the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), and in partnership with the GICHD, has the honour to invite participants from National Mine Action Authorities (NMAA), and from National and International Mine Action Organisation to the Land Release Training Course.
The training course will take place in two phases; an online learning phase (including the self-paced learning modules) starting in June followed by a 10-day intensive in-person course from 04 to 15 August 2025 at the Swiss Armed Forces International Command (SWISSINT) training centre. The course aims to improve the operational management capacity of the mine action community, such as National Mine Action Authorities, national and international implementing organisations, and actors such as the Military or Police, where applicable.
The training course is aimed at mine action professionals who are involved in planning and managing field operations and who want to expand their knowledge, learn more about the Land Release process, and explore good practices.
Disclaimer: The course is subject to final funding confirmation.
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00Objective
The purpose of this course is to provide Mine Action personnel involved in the management of field operations with the necessary skills to effectively and efficiently plan and conduct survey and clearance activities. The participants will learn how to identify, gather, analyse and record evidence of contamination and deploy appropriate clearance assets and methodologies most efficiently and effectively without compromising on safety requirements.
The course key benefits can be summarised as follows:
- Enhanced operational efficiency in Land Release activities through the application of good practices and international standards.
- Enhanced effectiveness of planning and execution of relevant field activities.
- Promotion of a collaborative and transparent approach to Mine Action, fostering partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
- Improved safety for communities and personnel involved in Mine Action operations.
00Program and Method
First phase of the course will be delivered through combination of the online learning and self-paced learning through dedicated online platform. This phase will seek to engage participants in theoretical exercises and debates, and exchange of good practice and experience from different operational theaters.
Second phase of the course will foster an environment where practical skills are applied and theoretical knowledge is reinforced through hands-on exercises and real-life scenarios. Participants will be encouraged to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving exercises to develop a holistic understanding of the challenges and complexities involved in Mine Action operations. The Land Release Training course seeks to empower participants with the expertise and confidence needed to make positive impact on explosive ordnance-affected areas.
This training course will be held at the training centre of the Swiss Armed Forces International Command (SWISSINT). The centre is located in Oberdorf at Stans, Canton of Nidwalden, which is especially suited to practical exercises and scenario-based training.
00Participants
The number of participants is limited to 22. Preference will be given to individuals charged with managing and conducting field operations or training personnel for field operations. The GICHD will seek to ensure gender and diversity-balanced participation.
The course will be conducted in English. Good working knowledge of English is therefore a requirement.
Participants must have the following English proficiency standards (as described in STANAG 6001): 3221.
▪ Listening (good / 3) ▪ Speaking (fair / 2)
▪ Reading (fair / 2) ▪ Writing (elementary/ 1)
Language requirements are compulsory and must be confirmed by applicants’ superiors - No interpreters are provided for this course.
The course is also open to NATO/PfP, MD, ICI and Contact States.
Course participation is limited to 22; as far as possible 2 slots per nation will be accepted.
Registration deadline: 30 March 2025
Allocation will be on an application basis. The application outcome will be communicated by 15th April 2025.
00Cost
The Swiss Government will cover participants’ expenses for food and accommodation while in Stans (arrival date 03 August 2025 and departure date 16 August 2025). Train tickets Zurich Airport – Stans – Zurich Airport will be reimbursed to the participants (only second-class tickets).
A limited number of sponsorships covering travel expenses from country of origin to Stans might be available for applicants with no other funding opportunities from developing countries. Applicants wishing sponsorships for flights must contact the GICHD at pfp(at)gichd.org before registering and no later than the application deadline on 30 March 2025. GICHD may request further information as necessary.
Note: The Swiss Armed Forces do not cover health care expenses. All participants are responsible for adequate insurance (health, accident and liability) or need a Governmental guarantee to cover any health care expenses in Switzerland.
More Information
Modality
Location
Kompetenzzentrum SWISSINT
6370 Oberdorf Nidwalden
Switzerland