Army Special Operations Training School (ASOTS)

Brief History of Army Special Operations Training School (ASOTS)

The history of Army Special Operations Training School (ASOTS) dates back to the early 80s. The school started as a Battle Training Camp christened Daboya Training Camp (DTC) and was primarily employed for preparing Units located in the then Northern Command to enable them build their proficiency in the use of weapon systems and applications of tactics to the ground.

The complex and evolving nature of contemporary threats on land forces places much emphasis on protection of personnel, hence the mechanized concept of infantry units in the Army. The current preparations of the Ghana Army against in positioning itself in readiness against threats like terrorism and transnational crimes among others makes the role of mechanized units critically instrumental. This necessitated the creation of mechanized Units and Special Forces. The creation of the Army Special Operations Brigade brought to the fore the need for a training school to train Special Forces for the Ghana Army. The school was therefore re-christened the Army Special Operations Training School in 2021.

Since its creation, the Unit has continued to train recruits for the Ghana Army. The Unit received its first batch of recruits on 15 January 2021 with a total number of 385 all male recruits and subsequently a mixed course of 648 recruits. The school later trained an all-male 700 recruits and currently training 705 mixed recruits.

The Unit has also successfully hosted training for Special Forces TF 649 in preparations for Long Range Patrols at the Northern boarders and Ex FLINTLOCK 23. The Unit has also hosted training of personnel of the Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron. The Unit since its inception has been a centre stage for hosting international exercises which includes Ex FLINTLOCK and Ex AFRICAN LION both held in 2023. The Unit is currently preparing to host EX FLINTLOCK 2024.

The first Commanding Officer for the School is Colonel Daniel Nii Armah Quaye.