21 14. To that end, the Commission shall expedite the development and circulation of appropriate Standing Operating Procedures to inter-alia: a. support standardization of training doctrines, manuals and programmes for national and regional schools of excellence; b. co-ordinate the African Standby Force training courses, command and staff exercises, as well as field training exercises. 15. The Commission shall, in collaboration with the United Nations, undertake periodic assessment of African peace support capacities. 16. The Commission shall, in consultation with the United Nations Secretariat, assist in the co-ordination of external initiatives in support of the African Standby Force capacity-building in training, logistics, equipment, communications and funding. Role of Member States 17. In addition to their responsibilities as stipulated under the present Protocol: a. troop contributing countries States shall immediately, upon request by the Commission, following an authorization by the Peace and Security Council or the Assembly, release the standby contingents with the necessary equipment for the operations envisaged under Article 9 (3) of the present Protocol; b. Member States shall commit themselves to make available to the Union all forms of assistance and support required for the promotion and maintenance of peace, security and stability on the Continent, including rights of passage through their territories.