A group of 30 commissioned and warrant officers from the Botswana Defence Force joined U.S. counterparts to participate in a four-day seminar on management systems and techniques, December 2-5, 2008, at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks in Gaborone, Botswana.

Led by members of the 17th Air Force based in Ramstein, Germany, in coordination with the U.S. Office of Security Cooperation, the military-to-military event introduced the officers to best practices for building a career path in the military. The training was geared to build the capacity of the Botswana Defence Force and strengthen ties between Botswana and the United States.

During the seminar, U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Gerry Tolarchyk shared key components of U.S. Air Force personnel management, stressing the importance of enlisted force development and career progression within the military.

In addition to the training sessions, officers participated in group exercises, during which they brainstormed ideas for implementing a designated career path for BDF officers and enlisted soldiers.

The Botswana officers expressed appreciation for the training, which they described as important for their individual careers as well as to the success of the Botswana Defence Force. Many officers requested follow-up training to take place within six months.

"The training is very impressive," said Major James Moremedi, Botswana Defence Force. "This is very helpful because we do not have any career-field-associated training for personnel management officers in the Botswana Defence Force."