Training Institude

BACKGROUND OF TRAINING UNIT

Back in 1978, the Lesotho Defence Force (then called Police Mobile Unit) conducted its trainings at Khabo Base situated at Ha-Khabo in Leribe district. Later in the 1980s, the training unit was relocated to Makoanyane Barracks and the trainings were conducted in the bases of Makoanyane and Ratjomose.

During the military regime in 1986, the place that was then Lesotho Youth School (LYS) was transformed into Infantry School and was named Training Wing (TW). The school is situated in the Makoanyane cantonment where most of the trainings are conducted till today. Moreover, there is a field training area at Setibing Military Base deep in the mountains. In 2019 the LDF TW was renamed the LDF Training Institute or Military Training Institute (MTI).

Military Training Institute Vision

To be a reputable and responsive training institution competent enough to train the LDF personnel to respond effectively to current and future global security challenges.

Military Training Institute Mission

To produce competent, loyal Officers, well-disciplined NCOs and Soldiers who are professionally, tactically and technically motivated in showing outstanding instructional, leadership, weapons knowledge and follower-ship through realistic training suitable for today's national, continental and international security challenges.

MOTTO

"Victory Starts Here"


Our Services

Organization

Training Institute structure starts with the Commandant, followed immediately by Deputy Commandant. Under the latter is Chief Instructor followed by the Directing Staff Coordinator. Training Institute hierarchy consists of different branches, which are: Tactics Branch, Weapon Training Branch, Administration Branch, Map Reading Branch, Physical Training and Drill Branch. Every branch comprises a team of instructors focusing on the sharpening of skills and concepts for that particular subject to ensure that the trainees get the best out of it.

Administration Branch

To be a reputable and responsive training institution competent enough to train the LDF personnel to respond effectively to current and future global security challenges.The Administration component, through the office of the Commandant, is mandated to ensure the smooth and efficient organization of the Training Institute. It plans, formulates the training programmes, monitor and implement the conduct of allotted trainings. Central to the administrative functioning of the Commandant's office is the Quarter Master Office.

Quartermaster Office

This office, also answerable to the Commandant, further ensures the continuous maintenance of the Training Institute premises and training facilities. Furthermore, the Quartermaster's Branch is responsible for the procurement and acquisition of equipment and to oversee the welfare of instructors and course participants.


Clients

The clients include all LDF officers, NCOs, Soldiers, Recruits and private security companies at times. Every member of the LDF, in particular army personnel, acquires trainings from the institute, starting from the initial training of recruits to retraining, refresher, progression and promotion courses. These are conducted in form of individual, team or crew, collective and specialised trainings at various command levels. The Training Institute office in collaboration with the Directorate of Planning, Operations and Training draws a training plan and coordinate force level trainings and is the custodian of the training doctrine of the Defence Force.

The services are not limited to the members of the army, but the unit ensures that companies that are legally and formally registered to use arms also apply for skill at arms training. The private security companies present formal request for weapon handling trainings, conduct range practices and are awarded compliance certificates.


MTI Professionals

Employees: The Institute trains its own instructors, categorized based on their performance in various skills. This ensures instructors' placement benefits students and brings good results.

Professions: The main profession is teaching. The selection of instructors is done through a specific team and based on merit and conduct during training.

Training & Development: Mandatory courses both locally and abroad, along with nominations and invitations from friendly foreign forces, help improve instructors' skills.

Registered Professionals

The Training Institute Instructors' team includes counselors due to different training environments at the school. Trainees, especially new recruits, tend to develop mental lapses and stress as the training pressure mounts, hence the need for counseling expertise.

Induction into the Training Institute does not favor graduates over non-graduates, as the selection is based on performance and character. However, being a graduate is an added advantage as they are likely to catch up quickly with the expectations of the unit.

Training & Development

The number of courses to be attended by MTI staff, both home and abroad, is triggered by mandatory courses locally, nominations by the Human Resources Office, and invitations by friendly foreign forces.

Training and development of instructors is key to the development of the organization as it involves the sharpening of skills, capabilities, changing of attitude, and gaining more knowledge to enhance the performance of the members.

Other Services

Civilian Communities: The MTI plays a vital role in transforming individuals from civilian life to army life. The Institute is knowledgeable in military standards and values, and also provides career guidance to schools.

Infantry Units: MTI is called upon to provide training modules tailored to specific infantry unit requirements during operational training and exercises.

Drill for Ceremonies: Drill instructors stem from the MTI and are required to ensure high-quality parades prior to ceremonial activities. MTI personnel also participate in annual drill competitions in South Africa.

Values & Standards

The army relies on the infantry school to sharpen soldiers into becoming professionals, with instructors setting the required standards. The key values and standards include confidence, resilience, diligence, enthusiasm, respect, teamwork, loyalty, creativity, and esprit de corps.

Instructors are expected to possess these values and instill them in the trainees. This helps ensure that soldiers are well-prepared to face the challenges they may encounter during their military careers.