This marks the third English-language iteration of the course, following the successful launch of the All Arms Search Course under the United Nations Triangular Partnership Programme (UN TPP) on 17 February 2025 at HPSS.

In his opening remarks, Lt Col Kaptuway welcomed the participants and emphasized the vital role the course plays in equipping personnel with the skills needed to operate in Improvised Explosive Device (IED) threat environments. He highlighted its alignment with the "Prepare the Force" pillar of the Counter-IED (CIED) strategy and stressed the significance of the trainees' future responsibilities as instructors within their units. He urged them to approach the training with discipline and commitment before officially declaring the course open.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Lt Col Alex Neukom (Head of Training, HPSS), Lt Col (Rtd) Joseph Maritim (GICHD Focal Point – East Africa), Warrant Officer Class I Kering (Senior Master Instructor, CIED Wing), and Warrant Officer Class II Paul Hartin from the British Peace Support Team – Africa.

Colonel Emma Ngigi, Commandant of PCSS, expressed appreciation to the Swiss Government and the Swiss International Relations Defence for sponsoring the course.

Ambassador Mirko Giulietti underscored the importance of the training, stating, “Supporting security sector reform strengthens the rule of law. The security sector must integrate the specific needs of the population as a whole.”

The course brings together 29 participants from 14 countries, reflecting its broad international reach.

In his address, the Deputy Commandant HPSS Lieutenant Colonel Kaptuway underscored the critical importance of the training course in strengthening the operational capabilities of uniformed personnel in the detection, prevention, and neutralization of threats posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). He noted that the increasing prevalence of IEDs in contemporary conflict environments represents a significant threat to mission personnel, essential equipment, and the civilian populations they are mandated to protect.

He further emphasized that the ability to effectively identify and mitigate such threats is indispensable to ensuring the safety of peacekeepers and to the overall success of their mission in safeguarding vulnerable communities.