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BATUK in Africa
Romantic images of the colonial lifestyle in Africa are far from the truth for members of the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) who live a very down-to-earth working life.
It is a full five-day week for staff, even if it is under the African sun with the world’s most abundant wildlife on their doorstep.
The unit, consisting of just 12 permanent and 27 temporary duty staff, and supported by more than 150 locally employed civilians, is responsible for organising and facilitating the Army's programme of exercises and training in Kenya.
Andy Stewart, part of BATUK, educates villagers about the dangers of picking up metal objects on the ranges. [Picture: Terry Champion]

The Commanding Officer of BATUK, Lieutenant Colonel Angus Macdonald said:

"The training offered here in Kenya is vital to preparing Infantry Battle groups for Operations around the world. We have a unique mix of climate and environment. I am responsible for the headquarters and our forward mounting base up country at Nanyukim and also for Archers Post which is on the Kenyan military training area that we use.

"Another of my responsibilities is liaison with the Kenyan Army, the Department of Defence and the Ranchers whose land we use. This is an important part of my job - we must be on good terms with local landowners."The training area in the north at Archers Post is used for the exercises and live firing. The area is a hot and semi arid which is why visiting units use one of the other areas closer to Nairobi for their acclimatisation and work up training.

"In addition to the infantry there are Royal Engineer and Medical exercises. The Engineers use the opportunity to carry out real time training on real projects such as bridges, schools and dams for irrigation. This is the only place apart from operations where they can see the results of their work being used for real.

"The Medics are the same. They go to communities where people do not have access to the care we take for granted. They set up a medical centre and treat locals, which gives them experience in six weeks it would take years to gain in a UK hospital.

"Added to that, are the opportunities for Adventurous Training. There is Mount Kenya and Kilamanjaro to climb, the Indian Ocean for diving and water sports, paracending and white water rivers to navigate."