The Austrian Armed Forces have been taking part in the international exercise “Flintlock 2019” in Burkina Faso since mid-February with around 30 special forces from the Hunting Command. A total of around 1,500 soldiers from 31 nations are taking part in the exercise in West Africa. The aim is to prepare the African armed forces for future tasks.
In addition to soldiers from the fighter squad, the Austrian contingent also consists of paramedics, doctors and psychologists – around half of the contingent are militia soldiers.
Among other things, they train the soldiers from Burkina Faso in how to properly rescue and care for the wounded or how to behave when mines are found. Safe handling of their own weapons is also part of the exercise.
Defense Minister Mario Kunasek on the “Flintlock” exercise: “Many problems that arise in Africa are brought to European countries. Austrian national defense therefore begins with operations abroad.”
The Austrian soldiers are fulfilling an important task in the multinational exercise series in Africa, according to the Minister. Because: “It is important that we are committed to more stability in Africa in terms of foreign and security policy and help to solve problems directly on the ground. Illegal migration, for example, can only be prevented if we ensure stable and secure conditions in the countries of origin.”
