On Monday, October 5, 2026, trainees from the Joint Arms Certificate (CIA) program at the National Police Schools and Training Centers attended two lectures focused on operational after-action reviews (RETEX) and the role of the Air Force within the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa).
The aim of these lectures was to educate trainees on the importance of RETEX as a tool to support command and enhance operational effectiveness, as well as to provide insight into the Air Force’s missions, organization, and contribution to FAMa operations.
Speaking on operational RETEX, Colonel Aly Kane Diallo emphasized the relevance of this process for CIA trainees. He explained that RETEX enables a methodical assessment of actions taken, the identification of lessons learned, and improved preparation for future operations. He noted that it serves as a key driver for the continuous improvement of operational activities.
Addressing the subject of the Air Force, Captain Ibrahim Djiguiba highlighted its pivotal role in the conduct of Malian Armed Forces operations. He explained that the Air Force cannot be defined solely by the aircraft deployed in operations; it also relies on the coordination and commitment of numerous personnel and specialized roles, whose complementary efforts ensure the effectiveness of air assets.
This initiative was highly appreciated by the Director of the CIA 2025 program at the National Police Schools and Training Centers, Squadron Leader Ibrahim Alassane. He expressed his gratitude to the leadership for the trust placed in him to conduct this training, which he described as a significant milestone in the professional development of future National Police officers.
For trainee Idrissa Fofana, these lectures provided valuable insights relevant to their future responsibilities. He particularly highlighted the knowledge gained regarding operational lessons learned (RETEX) and the organization and missions of the Air Force—areas with which he had previously been less familiar.
Through these exchanges, the trainees gained an understanding of two complementary aspects of operational activity: drawing lessons from past engagements to improve future actions, and better grasping the Air Force component's contribution to mission success. These insights should help strengthen their operational and joint-service expertise.
Sgt. Jacques Diarra
