Between 1-27 May, in the framework of the Extra Budgetary Project “Strengthening Border Guards Capacities in Turkmenistan”, a Basic Patrolling Course and Advanced Patrolling Course was held for 17 non-commissioned officers and two senior officers.
The training agenda covered basic patrolling, map reading, identification of intruders, smuggling of people, narcotics and weapons, drug trafficking, and foreign terrorist fighter threats. The experts explained surveillance techniques beyond the border line, pathfinder skills, and navigation with a compass and a GPS system, the use of night vision equipment, and situational analysis to the trainees. They also discussed basic desert survival skills, mountain patrolling techniques, and ability to read traces of violations of the border. In addition, information on international law and boundary issues were presented during the course.