Soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment have returned from Mali where they have been at the forefront of the UK contribution to the European Union military training mission.

Twenty seven soldiers deployed to West Africa in March 2015.

The aim of the short-term training team was to build the capacity and capability of the Malian Armed Forces in order for them to maintain security and build long-term stability in the country and wider region.

The team return to the UK having trained approximately 300 Malian soldiers in combat and counter-insurgency operations.

Drawing upon their experiences of similar missions in Afghanistan where they mentored and trained local forces in 2012, the training was designed to develop skills and tactics from individual to battle group level.

Launched in February 2013, the training mission also gives the Malian soldiers a clear understanding of international law and human rights.

The Vikings were situated around two hours’ drive from the capital Bamako and were supported by other EU partner nations.

Due to the high midday temperatures that can reach as high as 45 degrees centigrade, the working day began at 6.30am.

Everybody stopped work at 12.30pm, the hottest part of the day, and resumed training later in the afternoon around 1500hrs before finishing at 6pm.

The soldiers used the stand down periods to prepare lessons and complete personal administration.

The deployment included the re-training of one of the Malian Battalions who had recently returned from an operation.

“It was as much a refresher as re-training,” said Major Dave Robinson, Officer Commanding UK Infantry Training Team.

“Like our own soldiers the Malians need to be constantly prepared for operations. A regular cycle of training and operations develops experience and confidence across the team.”

The second task saw the training of 50 Officer Cadets and included demonstrations, lessons and assessments.

“It was a real privilege to train the future leaders of the Malian Armed Forces,” said Major Robinson.

“Our role was to train, assess and test their individual and collective soldiering skills.

"We also delivered train the trainer courses, so that when the training is no longer being provided by the EU the Malians can continue to train themselves.

"They are all keen to learn which made our job more enjoyable.”

Their final training package saw them train 139 non-commissioned officers from the military training school in south central Mali.

The training package focused on the basics of infantry training, from how to patrol to section attacks. It also covered the basics of command and leadership.

Lance Corporal Charlie Sultana, 23, of Brentwood said: “We’ve been training a range of ranks from Officer to Private and I’ve enjoyed watching how different Corporals teach and learning from them.

"I’ve gained confidence in my own skills.

“The Malians asked us lots of questions. It’s obvious they want to learn. They work hard and just like us there was platoon rivalry; they were all trying to outshine one another.

“It made me realise that I have a comfortable life at home.

"There were days when I missed my girlfriend and family but then how many people get the opportunity to do this.

"I’ve enjoyed it and now I’m home I’m just looking forward to catching up with my family and girlfriend Zoe.”

The Vikings are one element of the EU effort in Mali, which consists of 500 personnel from 26 EU countries.

For more information on the Vikings follow them on twitter @1RoyalAnglian, visit the Royal Anglian Regiment Facebook page or visit www.army.mod.uk