FIVE COURSES, ONE SHARED PURPOSE: STRENGTHENING DEMINING CAPABILITIES

The Mine Risk Education (MRE) Course No. 20; EOD Level 1 – Explosive Ordnance Disposal Course No. 11; Mechanical Demining Team Leader/Mechanical Equipment Operator Course No. 7; National Humanitarian Demining Supervisor Course No. 14; and Non-Technical Survey and Manual Demining Team Leader Course No. 34. These five programs, each focused on a different area of specialization, contribute to strengthening the capabilities required to conduct demining activities.

During the orientation, Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Andrés Ledesma Soto, CIDES Director, welcomed the students and highlighted the commitment involved in undertaking this training process, while reaffirming the Directorate’s full support throughout their time at the Center. The activity also included the participation of Major Andrés Felipe Tafur Manrique, Deputy Director of CIDES, and Major Oscar Daniel Mejía Espitia, academic inspector, as part of the team responsible for guiding the unit’s academic and administrative processes.

The orientation provided students with an overview of the Center’s mission, vision, organizational structure, and facilities, as well as the main guidelines that will govern their time at CIDES and their academic process. Similarly, the course commanders and instructors were introduced, and information was shared regarding the curricula, internal regulations, academic procedures, safety guidelines, institutional principles and values, and tools for academic management.

This new training cycle brings together different yet complementary areas of expertise. While the Mine Risk Education Course strengthens communication skills and knowledge of the Comprehensive Mine Action (AICMA) framework, the other programs provide specialized training in manual and mechanical demining procedures, non-technical survey, supervision and quality management, as well as knowledge and competencies related to explosive ordnance disposal.

This orientation marks the beginning of a new stage for the students, combining academic training, practical training, and the application of acquired knowledge. Through these programs, the International Demining Center continues to strengthen the preparation of specialized personnel and its commitment to education and training aligned with the evolving needs and challenges of demining.