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Protecting the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga

Virunga Rangers in Commando Training

20 Mar 2009 Filed under (Rangers) by Godefroid @ 9:00 pm

Last summer myself and 5 other Rangers were invited by the Belgian Ministry of Defense to spend 6 weeks at the Commando Training Center in Marches-les-Dames, Belgium. Our course involved training in hand-to-hand combat, camouflage, shooting skills, ambush techniques, patrol strategies, and other skills that would be useful during our field work in Virunga National Park.

This video (shot by Pierre and edited by Katya) shows me, Augustin, Atamato, and the others in action during the training:

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On behalf of the ICCN, I would like to thank the Belgian Ministry of Defence and the good people of Namur and Marches-les-Dames for their fantastic hospitality.

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5 Responses to “Virunga Rangers in Commando Training”

  1. Leonard Leonard Says: 20 Mar 2009

    In addition to the poachers, how much of a problem is the military situation around the park? Has the fighting receded substantially, or is it still right there?

  2. theresa theresa Says: 21 Mar 2009

    I pray the techniques you all learned will help keep you safe from the dangers you face. Thank you again for all you do!

  3. nicholas bacon nicholas bacon Says: 21 Mar 2009

    You guys are doing the right thing. Fight fire with fire. Keep at it!

  4. Amy Amy Says: 21 Mar 2009

    Excellent video — really well done!

  5. Megan Megan Says: 24 Mar 2009

    Wow! First of all, beautiful video! The shooting and editing was perfect. : )

    I am so happy that the rangers are getting this intensive training to keep them safe and prepared when they are out in the Park!!! But the thought that this has to happen in the first place breaks my heart and does not escape me. You WILL win this fight and peace will be restored. Keep strong! : )

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