OSCE-supported training course enables Moldovan armed forces to monitor the chemical safety of ammunition

CHISINAU, 25 September 2015 – Eight officers of the Moldovan armed forces successfully completed today a training course supported by the OSCE Mission to Moldova on testing the safety and stability of ammunition.

The course took place at the Moldovan army military training base in Bulboaca from 9 to 25 September 2015, and was conducted by Austrian, German and Swedish specialists.

“Unstable ammunition always presents a hazard for armed forces personnel and people living close to weapon stores; what is safe today may not be safe tomorrow,” said Ambassador Michael Scanlan, Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova. “This training course has helped build the capacity of the Moldovan armed forces to ensure that the condition of munitions can be properly monitored over time, thereby mitigating the risks arising from degraded ammunition in the future.”

Taking part in the course were officers and warrant officers from the Moldovan armed forces. In particular, the participants learned how to use a mobile ammunition chemical assessment kit to determine the stability of ammunition.

The training course is part of a multi-year project to train Moldovan ammunition specialists. The aim of the project is to provide the specialists with the necessary skills for the safe and secure storage of small arms and light weapons in accordance with OSCE and international best practices.