U.S. Marines Teach Non-Lethal Weapons Skills to Liberian Soldiers

Source: US Africom

MONROVIA, Liberia – A Liberian soldier practice nonlethal striking techniques with a U.S. Marine, February 21, 2012 aboard a training base in Monrovia, Liberia. The Marines were working in Liberia as part of Onward Liberty, a State Department-sponsored initiative aimed at strengthening Liberia’s military. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Corporal Jad Sleiman)

A handful of U.S. Marines taught more than 220 Liberian soldiers non-lethal weapons skills February 17-March 18, 2012.

The three Marines built on an ongoing State Department-sponsored mission aimed at rebuilding Liberia’s military called Operation Onward Liberty. They and around 16 Liberian instructors went over intermediate riot control and peacekeeping techniques meant to restore control without causing fatalities.

Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 12, the Marines’ unit, is charged with sending small security and logistics cooperation teams into Africa to partner with local militaries facing regional terror threats or instability. Liberia was one of a half dozen countries the task force visited over the course of their six month deployment in support of U.S. Marine Forces Africa.

« You’re going to use lethal force in combat, but you’re not going to use lethal force in a riot, » explained Gunnery Sergeant Robert Navarro, team non-commissioned officer in charge, adding that deadly measures can sometimes lead to more chaos instead of restoring order.

Sergeant Mark Benz, who earlier taught SPMAGTF-12 Marines nonlethal weapons techniques, had to mold his curriculum to fit the Liberian soldiers’ work schedules and available training materials, but said he was none the less impressed by his students’ enthusiasm.

« They were pumped the whole time, » he said. « They had really good
energy. »

The team’s hard work paid off at the end of the training evolution when their students put on a large-scale demonstration of their new skills for Burundi’s defense minister.

The team conducted the second of a three phase nonlethal weapons training program with the Liberians, said Navarro, building on Onward Liberty’s progress. Future training teams will move into the third and final phase of the training. A major focus of the mission was making sure the small group of Liberian instructors the Marines worked with could continue training their own men after the Marines left, he added.

 

USA-Morocco: Last Marines Land, Prepare to Begin Field Training at African Lion 2012

Source: US Africom

AGADIR, Morocco – Col. Roger Garay, Joint Task Force Commander, Exercise Africa Lion 12, speaks with service members at the Sea Port of Debarkation in Agadir, Morocco, April 7, 2012. During his visit, he and the mobility and logistics team there discussed their feat of off-loading more than 200 primary items from multiple transport vessels, conducting more than 20 convoys over hundreds of miles, and stationing wash racks for re-deployment purposes all in less than two days. AL-12 is an annual exercise conducted in various regions of the Kingdom of Morocco, designed to improve interoperability and mutual understanding of each nation’s military tactics, techniques and procedures. (Photo by Tyler Main, Marine Corps Forces, Pacific)

Nearly 200 Marines from 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, arrived in Agadir, Morocco, April 7 to support the field training exercise portion of Exercise African Lion 2012.

Approximately 1,200 U.S. military personnel arrived in various regions of the Kingdom of Morocco to take part in the annual exercise, designed to improve interoperability and mutual understanding of each national military tactics, techniques and procedures.

Marines of Battery M and Headquarters Battery will work beside Moroccan counterparts to conduct events such as small-arms weapons training, infantry tactics training, battle tank operations, combat engineering operations, artillery operations and light-armored reconnaissance training.

All of these events will be bilateral with our Moroccan partners,,â? said Maj. Stephen Sarnecky, operations officer, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines. We are looking forward to seeing what the Marines and Moroccans can accomplish working side-by-side.

The end result of this training will prepare participants to successfully conduct a mechanized, motorized, helo-born, combined arms assault.

The Marines said they look forward to this rigorous training schedule and learning about the Moroccan way of life.

« We all definitely look forward to liberty and getting the opportunity to get out and learn about the culture,Lance Cpl. Michael Fisher said, a combat engineer with 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines. I am also excited to work with the Moroccan military and see how they operate.

They will be assisted by Marines from 4th Combat Engineering Battalion, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine regiment infantrymen, 4th Combined Anti-Armor Team and 4th Marine Logistics Group, along with multiple sub-units.

It’s pretty amazing, considering we’ve taken reservists from all across the United States and combined them to ensure this event is successful, Sarnecky said.

AL-12 is a U.S. African Command-sponsored, Marine Forces Africa-led exercise that involves various types of training including command post, live-fire and maneuvering, peace support operations, an intelligence capacity building seminar, aerial refueling/low-level flight training, as well as medical and dental assistance projects.

By Tyler Main

Marine Corps Forces, Pacific

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Madagascar-France: aguerrissement au Centre national d’entrainement commando de Ambatolaona

Source: EMA France

Du 19 au 23 mars 2012, des militaires des FAZSOI (Forces armées en zone sud de l’Océan Indien) ont suivi un stage d’aguerrissement au Centre national d’entrainement commando de Madagascar, aux côtés de militaires malgaches, à l’occasion du 25^ème anniversaire de ce centre.

10 militaires malgaches du 1^er régiment des forces d’intervention (1^er RFI) d’Ivato et 10 marsouins du 2ème régiment de parachutistes d’infanterie de marine (2^ème RPIMa) ont participé à ce stage qui se déroule à Ambatolaona, à l’est de la capitale Tananarive.
Il comprend des pistes d’audace individuelles, collectives et aquatiques.
Il comporte également des entraînements aux techniques d’action immédiates, combat au corps-à-corps ainsi que des mises en situation et des marches de nuit.

L’instruction était assurée conjointement par l’encadrement du Centre d’aguerrissement tropical de la Réunion et les instructeurs malgaches du centre d’Ambatolaona.

La remise des brevets s’est déroulée le 23 mars dans une véritable ambiance de fraternité d’armes en présence du général André Ndriarijaona, chef d’état-major général des armées malgaches (CEMGAM) qui avait invité à l’occasion de cet anniversaire le général Jean–François Hogard, commandant supérieur des Forces armées de la zone sud de l’Océan Indien (FAZSOI).

Cette instruction s’inscrit dans le cadre de la coopération militaire régulière entre les militaires français des FAZSOI et les forces armées malgaches et témoigne de l’excellence de ces relations militaires et humaines.

Kenyan, U.S. Senior Enlisted Leadership in Action

Source: US Africom

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant James E. Davis, Kenya Air Force Base Sergeant Major Maurice Atsango Matwang’a (right) and Kenya Army Weapons Training Sergeant Major David Karisa Barisa discuss a personnel inspection they just completed at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 27, 2012 during a visit with Task Force Raptor soldiers from U.S. Army 3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard. CJTF-HOA hosted the four Kenyan Ministry of Defense senior enlisted leaders to exchange best practices and enhance understanding of the enlisted leadership roles and responsibilities that affect mission execution. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Maria R. Escamilla)

Kenyan Ministry of Defense senior enlisted personnel participated in a key leader engagement at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 26-29, 2012 hosted by Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa Command Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Master Sergeant James E. Davis.

The four guests were Kenya Army Qualified Senior Master Instructor Josphat Muthama King’ori and Weapons Training Sergeant Major David Karisa Barisa, Kenya Navy Base Sergeant Major Boniface Munyili Ndana and Kenya Air Force Base Sergeant Major Maurice Atsango Matwang’a.

Davis said the purpose of the visit was to build partner nation capacity with Kenya’s senior enlisted leadership by demonstrating how U.S. enlisted members use their roles and responsibilities and the chain of command to execute the mission and take care of their people.

« In everything we do and in every process that takes place, we want to show how our senior enlisted lead from the front, » said Davis. « That’s the message that we want to relay–that we empower our senior enlisted leaders to take care of the mission. »

During visits to commands from various military branches, including Djiboutian and Japanese coalition partners, the Kenyan guests interacted and observed first-hand senior enlisted leadership in action.

« We were very welcome here, » said Matwang’a. « This is true sharing. It allows us to enhance partnership between our forces so we can work toward aiming at one goal–security. This kind of partnership should be enhanced because it can improve our common security. Anything good comes through partnership. »

After an initial visit and discussion with U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Eugene Haase, CJTF-HOA deputy commander, March 27, the Kenyan leaders met with Camp Lemonnier’s U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Petty Officer Loretta Glenn, who briefed the camp mission and took them on a tour of the base.

Next the guests visited with U.S. Air Force senior enlisted leaders, as well as members of Task Force Raptor, U.S. Army 3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, who invited them to participate in an enlisted personnel inspection.

On March 28 the Kenyan senior enlisted leaders visited U.S. Army Civil Affairs Team 4903 in Ali Sabieh, Djibouti, to learn how the enlisted team there helps to build community relations and maintain stability in that region.

During the visit, Matwang’a realized U.S. and Kenyan militaries share much in common and face similar issues. For example, he said, « Like the American military, we deal with issues such as fraternization and how to counsel subordinates with their problems. Morale must be maintained at all levels. »

King’ori agreed with Matwang’a’s assessment, noting good morale is the key to developing and maintaining an effective enlisted force.

« We must go a mile further to know what it is the soldier wants and what it is he does, » said King’ori.

Matwang’a also mentioned the importance of continuing to build friendship between his country Kenya, the U.S. and the partner nations.

« This allows us not only to take care of our country, but of the world, » he said. « We need to live in peace as human beings. What we are doing here is not to make other people suffer, but to help them live better. »

Participation du Togo a l’African Partnership Flight

Source: EMG Togo

Du 12 au 23 mars 2012, s’est tenue à Accra (GHANA) une conférence de l’African Partner Flight (APF), une première du genre, entre les Armées de l’Air de cinq pays de la sous-région ouest africaine : Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, Sénégal et Togo. Cet événement a bénéficié de l’appui logistique et technique de l’armée de l’air américaine.

Le programme APF est une initiative de l’Armée de l’Air Américaine financé par le gouvernement américain. Il a pour objectif d’enseigner et de permettre aux aviateurs des pays précités d’échanger dans un environnement convivial sur plusieurs domaines de l’aéronautique à savoir : sécurité sol et air, relations publiques, recherche et sauvetage, soutien au déploiement, escale aérienne, entretien aéronefs, physiologie aérospatiale et aumônerie militaire. Les échanges et informations en matière de savoir-faire ont été édifiants et très enrichissants surtout avec l’apport de l’expérience des facilitateurs américains pendant les séances en salle et pratiques sur terrain.

Ce raffermissement de coopération technique s’est illustré à la fin par une « VIP Day » au cours de laquelle, les stagiaires ont pu démontrer en présence de leurs différents Chefs d’Etat Major et  de la responsable Air de l’AFRICOM venue spécialement pour l’événement, tout ce qu’ils ont appris au cours des deux semaines de cours. Les différents participants ont, à travers des témoignages reconnus avoir rafraichi leurs connaissances et savoir-faire. La fin de la formation a été marquée par la remise de certificat de participation.
Le témoin de la prochaine réunion a été remis au Chef d’Etat Major de l’Armée de l’Air de l’Ouganda. Il appartient aux autorités ougandaises de prendre toutes les dispositions pour relever le défi de la prochaine conférence qui se tiendra en 2013 à Kampala.
Les FAT y sont représentées par une délégation de 24 militaires commandée par le lieutenant colonel Bararmna Boukpessi. Elle est composée de 01 soldat, 10 sous/officiers 07 officiers tous de l’armée de l’air ; à eux s’ajoutent 03 officiers aumôniers et 03 officiers interprètes de l’armée de terre invités pour faciliter les échanges en anglais et français.
La mission dans sa globalité a été une réussite car tous les participants à chaque niveau de responsabilité ont pu tirer un grand profit de leur séjour au Ghana.

China trains space technicians for Namibia

Source: China Defense Mashup

More than ten Namibians have graduated in space science. This comes after the government signed a cooperation agreement with China in 2000 to establish a tracking, telemetry and command station in Namibia.

The two countries agreed for Namibians to be trained in China in the area of space science and technology, after which they will be employed at the Swakopmund TT&C station.

This week, at a signing of an employment agreement which will ensure employment for the graduates, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education, Alfred Ilukena thanked the Chinese government for the good collaboration and assistance in education as well as science and technology.

Ilukena said that Africa is poorly represented in the area of space science and technology and its applications with most African countries lacking the human, technical and financial resources to utilise in existing space-based infrastructure for even the most basic applications in meteorology, communications and natural resource management.

« It is against this background that there is a need to promote and coordinate cross-cutting multidisciplinary research and applications in space science and technology to address the development needs on the African continent, » added Ilukena.

Also speaking at the same event, Dong Weidong, director of China Space TT&C Station, who spoke through an interpreter, said the agreement will play a positive role in cultivating the space science and technology talents in Namibia.

Weidong assured the Namibian government that the Namibian technicians will be supplied with appropriate work, study and living conditions.

« We believe that through this cooperation, the Namibian technicians will be more aware of operation and management mode of the world’s advanced space TTC Station, learn and master the advanced technology of manned space engineering, and become talents of space science and technology in Namibia, » he said.

Five Namibians, composed of men only, received their Master’s Degrees, with the rest receiving certificates.

Madagascar: Fin de stage pour les stagiaires du CPO

Source: Service de Communication Ministere de la Defense de Madagascar

Une cérémonie de remise de Certificat a  été célébrée ce matin au CEMES Fiadanana afin de clôturer le stage de perfectionnement des 107 Officiers issues DU 20^ème CFCO 1    et 6^ème CFCO 2. Après 5 mois de formation les 72 officiers  dont 65 issus du rang des sous-Officiers et 7 issus des écoles de formation d’officiers à l’étranger qui forment le 20^ème Cours de Formation Complémentaire des Officiers N°1 (20°CFCO1), vont suivre leur carrière militaire dans différents Corps de troupe de l’Armée Malagasy. Le  Sous-Lieutenant RANDRIAMITANTSOA, major de cette promotion a reçu son certificat de la main du Secrétaire Général du Ministère des Forces Armés, le Général de Division RANDRIAMAHARO Claris qui a patronné cette cérémonie. La 6^ème Promotion du Cour de Formation Complémentaire des Officiers N°2 (6°CFCO2) composée de 35 Officiers stagiaires spécialistes issues du 18^ème Promotion de Peloton de Formation Militaire des Cadres Spécialiste de l’Académie Militaire d’Antsirabe a passé 2 mois de formation au sein de ce centre. La promotion est composée d’Officiers médecins généralistes, dentistes, professeurs, économistes, médecins vétérinaires, ingénieurs, spécialistes en droits… . La major de Promotion le Médecin-Lieutenant RAKOTOMANGA Norosoa Mauricette a reçu son certificat de la main du Général de Division NDRIARIJAONA André, Chef de l’Etat-Major Général de l’Armée Malagasy qui a présidé cette cérémonie. Dans son allocution le CEMGAM n’a pas oublié de féliciter les Officiers stagiaires tout en louant les efforts que les personnels d’encadrement, de direction ainsi que les instructeurs ont consenti pour mener à bien la formation malgré le contexte difficile que traverse le pays. Le CEMGAM a remercié particulièrement la coopération militaire française qui ne ménage pas leur effort pour soutenir en logistique et en matériels pédagogiques la formation des cadres militaires Malagasy. En 39 ans d’existence le Centre de Perfectionnement des Officiers à Fiadanana à déjà formé 1585 Officiers nationaux et étrangers.

 

South Africa: End of Exercise Good Hope V

Source: Ministry of Defence South Africa

With the piracy threat steadily approaching the region, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has once again successfully concluded a series of maritime exercises along South African waters over the period 05 to 23 March 2012.The tasks are part of the fifth bi national joint exercise GOOD HOPE between the SA Navy and the German Navy, which included the SA Air Force.

The aim of the GOOD HOPE V, which was conducted in Durban, Simon’s Town and along the eastern and southern coast of South Africa, was to build interoperability and mutual understanding between the two forces as well as to enhance the SA Navy’s capability in terms of anti-piracy actions off the East Coast of Africa.

The benefits of the exercise are the sharing of expertise, enhancing maritime security, strengthening military cooperation as well as preparing all aspects of maritime warfare, including the anti-piracy operations.

During the final phase of the exercise an asymmetric threat scenario were conducted. This included a co-ordinated anti-submarine exercise, maritime interdiction operation, search, localisation and interdiction of maritime groupings associated with piracy, smuggling, terrorism and threat of piracy at sea, replenishment and towing exercises.

The exercise GOOD HOPE V is the largest training undertaken by the German Task Force Group outside of its NATO obligations.

By Cpl Ally Rakoma

 

USA-Morocco: U.S. Soldiers Observe Training at Moroccan Field Artillery Center

Source: US Africom

MOROCCO – Moroccan and U.S. soldiers take part in a military-to-military exercise on artillery tactics, March 2012. At the request of the Royal Moroccan Field Artillery Training Center, the exercise was executed in the cities of Fes and Guercie, March 4-10, to help provide the Moroccan soldiers with training on the maintenance, safety and firing of the M109A5 artillery system. (Photo by Major Tyrone Martin).

In order to help improve the security of Morocco, 20 members of the 15th Royal Artillery Group purchased approximately 60 armored vehicles called M109A5 howitzers through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

At the request of the Royal Moroccan Field Artillery Training Center, an artillery tactics military-to-military exercise was executed in the cities of Fes and Guercie, March 4-10, 2012 to help provide the Moroccan soldiers with training on the maintenance, safety and firing of the M109A5 system.

Two soldiers from 1st Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, out of Fort Sill, Oklahoma, volunteered to observe and provide subject matter expert guidance on the artillery training.

First Sergeant Kurt Douglas, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, and noncommissioned officer in charge of the exercise, said the mission was split between lectures on various topics regarding the M109A5 and live fire exercises at the Royal Moroccan Field Artillery Training Center. The fire exercises included forward observer procedures, fire direction center procedures and gun line crew drills.

Douglas said the soldiers of the 15th RAG performed like consummate professionals, making it seem like they have been firing the M109A1, A2 and A3 systems for decades.

« They fully understand all gunnery concepts and developed effective techniques that ensures they achieve accuracy, thus demonstrating the mastery of gunnery concepts and techniques ,but they are not able to execute some key tasks due to lack of associated equipment, » Douglas said.

Major Tyrone Martin, executive officer, 1st Bn., 17th FAR, and the officer in charge of the mission, said despite the 15th RAG’s very limited budget, they have created innovative solutions for things U.S. Soldiers take for granted.

« They have a passion for artillery that we all should want to have. As they do not have the same technology as we are use to, they have a mastery of field artillery gunnery that sometimes I believe we take for granted due to our technology, » Martin said. « They approach field artillery much like we do, with the same doctrine and concepts in equipment, however their experiences and strategic objectives allow them to see the same event differently. »

Douglas also agrees this training with the 15th RAG provides allows him to see the same event through a different set of eyes.

« Training with another country always challenges our existing paradigms and viewpoints in regards to our profession as professional field artillerymen. They approach field artillery much like we do, with the same doctrine and concepts in equipment, » Douglas said. « However their experiences and strategic objectives allow them to see the same event differently. This will only make us better. »

The Moroccan soldiers expressed a strong interest in building and continuing current partnerships as well as creating new ones.

« This event built upon an already established close relationship between the two countries’ field artillery professionals. The Moroccans closely resemble our own field artillery doctrine as many of their officers have attended our Captains Career Course, » Martin said.

The M109A5 howitzer is an armored vehicle that is easily customized for specific mission requirements. It is the most common support weapon of maneuver brigades of armored and mechanized infantry divisions.

By Sergeant Terysa M. King
U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs Link

Week One of Africa Partnership Flight Wraps up

Source: US Africom

ACCRA, Ghana – Colonel Dave Poage, African Partnership Flight mission commander, and Ghana Air Force Wing Commander Frank Hanson, C-295 pilot, discuss the various classes in Accra, Ghana during APF March 12, 2012. Over a two-week period, service members from Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Senegal and the United States will have the opportunity to share experiences in a wide number of topics related to air mobility, as well as improve on relations as friends and allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Brok McCarthy)

The first week of U.S. Air Forces Africa’s African Partnership Flight wrapped up at Ghana Air Force’s Camp Burma in Accra, Ghana, March 16, 2012.

The African Partnership Flight 12-2 is AFAFRICA’s two-week, military-to-military multilateral and regional engagement event. Classroom instruction included courses in cargo preparation, search and rescue, airfield security, public affairs, flight and ground safety, aerospace physiology, fixed wing aircraft maintenance and more.

Service members from Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Senegal and the United States participated in classroom instruction and hands-on aircraft training the first week at Camp Burma in Accra, Ghana.

« We couldn’t have asked for a better, first week here, » said Colonel David Poage, APF mission commander. « The participants seem to really be enjoying themselves and this event. If there was a way to measure the success of an event by ‘smiles generated’, well, I’d think we hit a home run. »

« I’ve already learned so much here, and have had a lot of fun because I’ve had an opportunity to meet new people, » said Warrant Officer Eric Ofori, Ghana Air Force logistician.

The participants exchanged regional expertise in all areas of air mobility increasing all partners’ capacity. Activities as simple as sharing a glass of tea or breaking bread in the dining facility contributed to fostering new and hopefully, lasting partnerships.

« The vision is for APF to become AFAFRICA’s premier semi-annual program for conducting building partnership capacity activities with our African partners, said Major Benjamin Dainty, APF assessments and lessons learned. « The engagement and relationships already built will have lasting effects on regional stability and security. »

« It’s about trust and rapport — giving regional partners a chance to join together and focus on enhancing overall African air mobility, safety and security, » said Captain Kaylee Weeks, 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron APF team lead and logistics readiness air advisor. « Information is most valuable only when it’s shared, and this event offers the perfect venue for sharing information and building partnerships. »

The second week of APF 12-2 will conclude with a capstone event showcasing the participants’ collaborative skills in practical exercises. Service members from each of the countries will don their personal protective equipment, gloves, pencils and calculators to work through the hands-on event. The capstone will take place on the ground with pre-flight planning and operations and will be followed with in-flight techniques and procedures.

« I can’t wait to come back again next week! » Ofori concluded.

By Captain Brooke Brzozowske
U.S. Air Forces Africa Public Affairs Link

 

Cameroon Military Train New Sailors during a Lifesaver Course, APS Staff Observes

Source: US Africom

Cameroonian Navy sailors made history as they took part in a three-day combat lifesaver course at the region two military hospital in Doula, Cameroon, March 19- 21, 2012.

This is the first course taught entirely by Cameroon military to their fellow service members, while members of the Africa Partnership Station (APS) medical training team observed, and is the second phase of a collaborative effort between the Cameroon military and APS.

« We want to have everyone in the military trained in at least the basic first aid skills. There are areas of the country where military personnel and civilians are dying from injuries that could be treated, » said Cameroonian Colonel Abeng Mbozo’o, chief medical officer of the hospital. « This is the best way to achieve our goal; we will train each other like a chain reaction until everyone is trained. »

The lack of properly trained medical personnel in certain areas of Cameroon has inspired many to take action and make a positive impact.

« First, I lost my mother and I didn’t have the skills to be able to help her or anyone else, » said Chief Warrant Officer Maurice Tsafack, a nurse in the Cameroon army and instructor at the combat lifesaver course. « Now, I’m using everything I know to teach others so that even people in the most remote villages will have someone nearby that can help. »

The APS staff visited Douala last week to provide a refresher course for the instructors and their roles have shifted from teacher to mentor.

« They really haven’t needed much help from us at all. They are correcting each other and moving smoothly from one topic to the next, » said Petty Officer 1st class Gustavo Maya-Perez. « As a Corpsman, it’s my job to help others but in this case, it is more rewarding to not be needed. »

APS is an international security cooperation initiative facilitated by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

U.S., Gabonese Medical Teams Unite during MEDACCORD 12

Source: US Africom

LIBREVILLE, Gabon – Aspirant Stephane Oliveira, a physician with the Gabonese Military Health Services, chats with 1st Lieutenant Naomie W. Gathua, a nurse with the 94th Combat Support Hospital, U.S. Army Reserve, during a break in lectures at Medical Accord Central 12, March 5-16, 2012. MEDACCORD is a U.S. Army Africa sponsored event that brings together Utah and Mississippi National Guard members, Army Reserve units from Texas and Arkansas, members of the Defense Medical Readiness Training Institute at Joint Base San Antonio, Gabon and regional African partners to promote security cooperation while conducting an exercise to enhance medical capacity. (Photo by Army Captain John Kimbrough, Mississippi Army National Guard)

While working together during U.S. Army Africa-hosted Medical Accord Central 12 exercise March 5 -16, 2012, U.S. and Gabonese military physicians took the opportunity to learn and grow together, and through this process realized just how much they have in common.

One significant common thread connecting the nurses and physicians of the U.S. Army Reserve 94th Combat Support Hospital (CAS) and members of the Gabonese Military Health Services is the understanding that although a career in medicine can be rewarding, to get there is a long and arduous journey.

« One thing I have noticed is the nurses of both groups have realized how many shared experiences they have, and physicians realize the commitment to the general practice of medicine is the same, » said Colonel Paul Phillips III, an orthopedic surgeon with the 94th Combat Support Hospital of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Phillips said missions like this offer his team an opportunity to experience the challenges many of their counterparts face on a daily basis.

American doctors recognize the differences in resources between the two medical teams and assess, then adjust the training focused to increase the experiences and capacity of the Gabonese physicians.

Like physicians in the United States, Gabonese doctors spend many years in school and are committed to ongoing professional development.

« We go to school 21 years total, with eight years in medical school, but we are always learning, » said Captain Fidele Miyabe, Gabonese Military Health Services doctor.

For the Gabonese, working alongside medical personnel from another country can be both rewarding and reassuring.

« We like working with other doctors. It is good to know we are familiar with many of their techniques, and it is also good to refresh and learn together, » said Lieutenant Stephane Oliveira, a physician with the Gabonese Military Health Services.

While the first week consisted of lectures on topics including combat stress, burn injuries and the many types of trauma doctors must be prepared for, the second week gave the participants a chance to team up and navigate their way through a large-scale disaster response.

« The practical exercise was mutually beneficial; we were able to mix our plan with the Gabonese plan so it was a learning experience for both of us, » said Major Billy W. Wooten, assistant chief nurse with the 94th Combat Support Hospital.
The exercise involved manning multiple points to facilitate receiving and treating patients, as well as simulating the hectic environment medical teams often find themselves thrust into during both man-made and natural disasters.
« Overall this exercise really helped all of us better understand their assets and capabilities highlighting what the Gabonese bring to the table, » Wooten said.
Once the exercise is complete, a closing ceremony will end the event and all participants will leave with a better understanding and appreciation for the challenges their brothers and sisters in the military medical profession face.

By Captain John Kimbrough
Mississippi Army National Guard

Link

West African, European and U.S. Navies and Coast Guards Plan Exercise Saharan Express 2012

Source: US Africom

PRAIA, Cape Verde – Lieutenant junior grade Lemu Reeves of the Liberian coast guard (left), discusses exercise operations with Lieutenant Commander Sean Rutter during the exercise Saharan Express final planning conference at the Counternarcotics and Maritime Security (COSMAR) interagency operations center, March 13, 2012. Exercise Saharan Express is an international maritime security cooperation exercise designed to improve maritime safety and security in West Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Lieutenant Nathan Potter)

Military and civilian maritime professionals from West Africa, Europe, and the United States finalized a challenging training agenda for exercise Saharan Express 2012, March 14, 2012.

This week’s final planning conference at the Counternarcotics and Maritime Security (COSMAR) interagency operations center culminates previous months of close coordination to plan complex maritime interdiction operation (MIO) scenarios to be executed later this spring.

« We live in a world that is confronted with many problems like piracy, drug trafficking, terrorism, organized crime, » said Colonel Alberto Ferdandes, chief of staff, Cape Verde armed forces. « It’s necessary for each of us to find a solution to respond to these problems in an efficient manner, we need to have a communal response and it is important that we are all prepared so we can produce a unified action. »

Colonel Fernandes continued to say that he hopes exercise Saharan Express will offer each partner nation the opportunity to work together and establish interoperability in the region.

Finalized this week for the MIO scenarios are visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) drills; search and rescue scenarios; medical casualty drills; radio communication drills; and information management practice techniques. These scenarios are scheduled to be executed off the coasts of Cape Verde, Mauritania, Senegal, and The Gambia and will be monitored and controlled by multiple Maritime Operations Centers (MOCs) in the region.

The aim of exercise Saharan Express is to develop participant nations’ capabilities to monitor and enforce their own territorial waters and exclusive economic zones. Should these participants meet in the future to conduct combined peacekeeping or humanitarian operations, or to counter trafficking in drugs, people, or weapons in the Atlantic Ocean, they will be better able to respond and work together.

« The collaboration of West African and European nations coming together to share information is encouraging to see as Saharan Express grows each year, » said Lieutenant Commander Eric Moyer, lead exercise planner. « We’re looking forward to another great year. »

Exercise Saharan Express, scheduled to enter its second year later this spring, is a continuation of West African, European, and U.S. navies and maritime agencies working to build maritime security in order to face common challenges.

By Lieutenant Nathan Potter
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

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Rwanda: Preparations for EAC military drills at advanced stage

Source: New Times/Ministry of Defence Rwanda

Col Ng’anga [L] and Lt col Ngendahimana [R].

Senior military officers in charge of training from the East African Community (EAC) are in the country to continue planning for another joint field training exercise set for Rwanda this year. This is the initial planning stage for the upcoming drills dubbed EAC Field Training Exercise (EAC FTX). “One of the primary goals of this coming together is to find modalities of working together as partner states to abate security threats that may arise at any one time,” Col Frank Ng’anga, the Chairperson of the meeting, told reporters in Kigali yesterday.

Ng’anga, who is head of training at the defence headquarters of the Kenyan army, noted that this particular session was not entitled to handle current threats, but admitted that the outcome of such joint drills was important for the entire region when it came to neutralizing common security threats such as terrorism. “As you know, we are in Somalia. Partner states are cooperating in combating that threat”.

The on-going meeting is a follow up on another held in January which was a “concept development meeting” on the latest planned manoeuvres. In January, Colonel Ng’anga told the media that they were looking at the broader spectrum of the planning aspects and that to carry out the joint field exercise “as one synergetic force in the region”. It will involve other key components, like the police, the ministries of foreign affairs, and others.

No date or venue has been fixed, but Rwanda will host the manoeuvres, a follow-up to the bloc’s Command Post Exercise (CPX) held in Musanze in October last year. The previous exercise did not involve troops but only command elements exercising normal military procedures. “When we come to the field training exercise, we go to the field and involve the troops. We plug in all the key players. That is, the forces that work together, whereby we have communications to check the procedures that we work on during the command post exercise, we evaluate how they are working and see where improvements are needed,” Col Ng’anga said.

Colonel Ng’anga reiterated that the drills are “extremely important” because they bring the armies together. “And one of the key areas is the synergizing of our military efforts and seeing how we can work together, thereby lessening threats that could arise.” Colonel Joseph Nshimiye, Burundian army’s in-charge of training appreciates the joint exercises by EAC partner states as he deemed them necessary for combating security threats.

Last year, more than 300 officers from the EAC Defence Forces took part in a joint command post exercise in Rwanda. The exercise codenamed ‘Ushirikiano Imara’ (Firm Cooperation) was conducted at the Rwanda Military Academy at Nyakinama, Musanze District. The EAC armies regularly conduct joint military exercises aimed at deepening cooperation in defence amongst the bloc’s member states, with similar exercises previously held in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Marines Trains Ugandan Forces To Face al-Shabaab, LRA

Source: Military.com

A thousand miles from the nearest major American base, about 30 U.S. Marines have been training a company of Ugandan soldiers for the fight against terrorism in East Africa since arriving in country, Feb. 3.

Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 12, the Marines’ Sicily-based parent command, is tasked with sending small training groups into Africa to partner with local militaries in an effort to indirectly blunt the spread of extremist groups across the continent.

The Uganda team of force reconnaissance, infantry, and combat engineering Marines first covered the use of a variety of weapons systems, marksmanship and field medicine, common soldiering skills Ugandan leaders say their men can use against the brutal Lord’s Resistance Army.

More specialized follow on training began March 5 and is designed to help the Ugandan field engineers counter al-Shabaab insurgency tactics in Somalia, where urban obstacles and IEDs reminiscent of the war in Iraq are common.

“We are answering a stated need by our African partners,” said Lt. Col. David L. Morgan, commander of SPMAGTF-12 and 4th Force Reconnaissance Company. “Our mission in Uganda is yet another example of what this versatile force can do.”

The task force has dispatched teams across a wide swath of Africa over the course of their six month deployment in support of Marine Forces Africa, sending anywhere from five to 50 Marines into partner nations for days to months at a time. The unit is among the first of its kind and the mission in Uganda is one of its last.From al-Shabaab to the LRA.

“The soldiers on training will use the acquired knowledge in war-torn Somalia and in the hunt down of fugitive LRA commander Joseph Kony wherever he is,” said Ugandan People’s Defense Force Lt. Col. Richard C. Wakayinja, a senior officer in the field engineering unit training with the Marines.

The UPDF is simultaneously providing the bulk of the more than 9,000 African Union peacekeepers engaging al-Shabab in Somalia while also staying on the hunt for Kony and his militia as they skirt the dense wilderness of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic and South Sudan.

Their membership estimated to be in the hundreds, the cultist LRA is condemned by international human rights groups for a lengthy list of atrocities that includes mutilating living victims and forcing children into their ranks as either soldiers or sex slaves.

The Obama administration ordered 100 combat advisers into central Africa last fall to aid in the hunt for their elusive Ugandan leader.Al-Shabaab, which officially became a part of al-Qaida’s terrorist network in February, claims responsibility for the 2010 twin bombings in Kampala that killed 74 as they watched a World Cup final on television.

The group also banned foreign aid agencies from Somalia as drought and famine ravaged the region last year.

Mogadishu-specific segments of training are scheduled to go over common combat engineering skills used to harden occupied urban spaces against complex attacks involving dangers like sniper and rocket fire as well as how to blast through enemy obstacles and difficult terrain.

Another major focus will be on how to find IEDs before friendly forces get too close, said US Marine Maj. Charles Baker, the mission officer in charge.

“We’ve got force reconnaissance and engineers here together, that gives you the route reconnaissance skills,” he said, adding that the U.S. government would provide the UPDF with engineering equipment and vehicles worth about $8 million.

Shifting to a smaller footprintU.S. military officials say mission’s like SPMAGTF-12’s could become more common place as troop levels in Afghanistan drop in line with an approaching 2014 combat mission end date. The 180-strong unit was formed over the summer of 2011 from Marine Forces Reserve units based across the country and equipped with two KC-130 Hercules aircraft to ferry teams to and from African countries.

“Because of the past ten years, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there haven’t been a lot of forces available for Africa,” said Army Maj. Jason B. Nicholson, Chief of the Office of Security Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Kampala and former Tanzania foreign area officer.

SPMAGTF-12 has so far sent small teams into five African nations, including some threatened by a North African franchise of Al Qaeda attempting to spread its influence known as al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb or AQIM. The small task force team working with the UPDF represents one of the first significant security cooperation missions undertaken by the DoD in Uganda, a nation more accustomed to State Department interaction.

Undersecretary of the Navy Robert O. Work singled out the task force as a prime example of the type of “low footprint, high payoff operations” the White House is seeking as a means of maintaining global defense postures as the Pentagon pledges to cut at least $450 billion in defense spending over the next decade.

The Corps is slated to reduce its active-duty troop strength from the current 202,000 to 182,100, leaving the force with about 7,000 more Marines than it carried before 9/11. In Uganda and Africa in general, US officials say, less can still be more.

A smaller U.S. force has the flexibility to move quickly, such as when a Djiboutian motor pool requested the task force’s help while preparing to deploy their first units to Mogadishu only weeks before their departure date last December.

Using a small group like the one in Uganda, said Nicolson, can also simplify the complex politics associated with deploying and hosting troops in a foreign nation. Army Gen. Carter Ham noted African nations’ reluctance to host large numbers of U.S. troops as one reason for U.S. Africa Command’s headquarters to remain in Europe despite growing threats in Africa during testimony to Congress, Feb. 29.

The speed and maneuverability of slender teams, however, comes at a cost. As they partner with the UPDF, the Marines’ closest major source of U.S. support is Camp Lemonnier near Djibouti City, Djibouti.

They and other task force teams operate, as unit leadership say, “alone and unafraid,” leveraging their needs against local resources and the limited supplies they can bring with them.

“We’ve grown used to operating near a base that can supply us with what we need,” said Gunnery Sgt. Brian Rivero, staff non-commissioned officer in charge of the mission. “Down here we’ve had to rely on the Ugandan economy for everything from food and water to medical care.”

The task force is built around 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, based in Alameda, Calif. The special operations capable unit is suited for what’s called “deep recon,” whereby teams operate well behind enemy lines with little to no support. Their Uganda partnership is strictly a train and equip mission designed to allow the UPDF, widely considered one of the most professional militaries in the region, to stay on the lead. The Marines in Uganda are working on friendly turf far from hostile fire, but remain very much on their own.

“The complexity of this endeavor cannot be understated,” said Morgan. “Despite the logistical challenges associated with acquiring the necessary ammunition and equipment for Ugandan forces, and complexities associated with operating in Africa, the men and women of the SPMAGTF have endured and created a superior program and partnership.”

Future expeditionsMarine leadership have grown to fear the specter of the Corps becoming a “second land Army” with dwindling relevance after more than a decade of static fighting in the Middle East. SPMAGTF-12’s missions on the continent could represent an early example of a long heralded Marine Corps return to globetrotting, quick reaction operations.

Already, a separate Marine Air Ground Task Force is planned for the Asia-Pacific region with troops basing in Darwin, Australia. The Black Sea Rotational Force first stood up in 2010 and is tasked with similar regional security partnership missions with southern and central European countries.

“The Marines are very expeditionary,” said Nicholson, explaining why SPMAGTF-12 was especially suited for the Uganda mission. “This group brings a unique set of people and a unique set of skills.”

The task force teams will return to Sicily in late March before the second rotation, SPMAGTF 12.2, takes over and continues to send security and logistics cooperation teams into Uganda and other African nations taking up the fight against terrorism on the continent.

During a week of marksmanship shoots in late February, Marine coaches followed their Ugandan counterparts closely, scrutinizing everything from foot placement to eye relief. They teach shooting and surviving by the numbers: “acquire your target, focus on your front sight post, slow steady squeeze.”

“We used to think of ourselves as engineers, but now, after training with the Marines, we know we are soldiers first,” said UPDF 1st Lt. Martin Oorech.

The lynchpin of the task force’s doctrine of capacity building lies in the hope that the next time their students need to raise their rifles in combat, they won’t need the Marines. At the end of each training session the Marine speaking calls out an “oorah” that is returned by dozens of UPDF troops in a uniform roar.

The Ugandan soldiers then clap a quick rhythm and chant “asante sana,” a Swahili thank you.

By Cpl. Jad Sleiman
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Kenya: Specialist Cadet’s Graduation parade at Kenya Military Academy.

Source: Ministry of Defence Kenya

The Chief of the Defence Forces General Julius Karangi awards the second best Cadet in Character Development and winner of Commandant’s Trophy, Officer Cadet Angela Wanjeri Githua of Kenya Army during the Specialist Cadets Commissioning Parade ceremony on 29 February 2012 at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet Nakuru.

The chief of the Defence Forces General J W Karangi, on 29 th of February 2012, commissioned twenty four specialists’ cadets after completing four months of vigorous training at Kenya Military Academy in a colorful passing out parade held at the Academy’s Parade square. This was the first time the Chief of the Defence forces was gracing a passing out parade ceremony. The specialists’ cadets began their four months training in November 2011 after being selected from various professional fields. This included, three nursing officers, seven Doctors, four Lawyers, one Dentist, two Pharmacists and seven Chaplains (three Imams, two Roman Catholic Priests and two Anglican Church Priests) During the Ceremony, four specialist cadets out of the twenty-four were awarded for excelling in various fields in the four months training at the academy. The four included:

• Senior Under Officer Kennedy Muindi Kithome of the Kenya Navy: The best cadet in Leadership and Command and winner of Leadership and Command Trophy.
• Cadet Adjutant Joshua Wanderi Ndungu of Kenya Army: The second best cadet in Leadership and Command and winner of Leadership and Command Shield.
• Junior Under Officer Angela Wanjeri Githua of Kenya Army: The best cadet in character development and winner of Commandant’s Trophy.
• Officer Juma Guni Muttah of Kenya Army: The second best cadet in character development and winner of commandant’s shield.

In his speech, the Chief of Defence Forces, congratulated the specialist cadets for being commissioned and reminded them that the Defence force is a symbol of the country’s Nationhood. He reminded them that discipline in the military is paramount. The Chief of Defence Forces further commended KDF for its high standards of professional training which saw it being recognized by the United Nation. He thanked the people of Kenya for their continued support to the KDF as they are committed in the battle field in Somalia against the Al Shabaab. He further commended KDF for joining AMISOM. Lastly, the Chief of the Defence Forces wished the new officers all the best as they begin their military career. Also in attendance during the ceremony were the three service commanders; Commander Kenya Army, Lt Gen J K Kasaon, Commander Kenya Air Force, Maj Gen J Otieno, and Commander Kenya Navy, Maj Gen N Mukala. Other senior military officials present during the occasion were, KMA Commandant Brig S W Nandwa, Camp Commandant, Lt Col J A Ouda, Officer Commanding, Maj J I Kariara among others.
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Djiboutian, U.S. and French Navies Share Best Maritime Practices

Source: US Africom

DJIBOUTI, Djibouti – U.S. Navy Lieutenant Troy Hanson (right), Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa military engagements planner, discusses U.S. Navy tactics and procedures pertaining to maritime domain awareness with Djiboutian and French sailors at the Djibouti National Navy Headquarters in Djibouti, February 28, 2012. Djiboutian, French and U.S. sailors discussed the best way to organize and execute Djiboutian maritime procedures in their area of operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Andrew Caya)

Sailors from three nations assembled at the Djibouti National Navy Headquarters in Djibouti, February 27 through 29, 2012, to discuss best practices for ensuring the sovereignty of the seas around the Horn of Africa.

This was the first time the Djiboutian Navy coordinated and executed an event of this type together with the American and French navies.

In this exchange, the three navies shared best practices on building support operations and raising maritime domain awareness.

In addition, Djiboutian Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade Ali Elmi Bouh, Djibouti National Navy Headquarters operations officer, said all participants discussed the ability to intervene in and take responsibility for the area of operation.

« The Djiboutian Navy is a young navy, only three years old, » Bouh said. « We want to grow and be fully operational. »

The Djiboutian Navy has numerous pre-planned responses for emergency maritime situations already documented and in place. These responses include search and rescue, illegal activity and shore incursion, U.S. and Djiboutian naval officers said.

To expand on their maritime knowledge, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Troy Hanson, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa military engagements planner, said the Djiboutians plan on using a hybrid of the U.S. and French systems to « better their understanding of what is out in their territorial waters. »

« We’re working here with the Djiboutians to help their understanding of what maritime awareness is, » Hanson said. « These are very important waters to them, and they are looking to understand the best naval practices of U.S. and France. »

« These meetings have been very helpful and very instructive to us, » said Bouh. « The Djiboutian Navy would like to have a strong ethos of maritime domain awareness fostered in this facility, and these meetings help us achieve that concept, » he said.

To keep that ethos strong, Bouh and the sailors said they would like to continue these exchanges.

« This has been an awesome experience to see the Djiboutians work with both the French as well as the U.S., working the same water space together–sharing some of our procedures–it’s been very valuable, » said Hanson.

French Navy Captain Eric Mignot, liaison officer to the Djiboutian Navy, said it’s important to work together as the Djiboutians share the same objective as their U.S. and French partners—to ensure the sea is a safe place for trade and freedom.
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By U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Caya
CJTF-HOA Public Affairs

L’Algérie va aider la Libye à « constituer une armée et une police »

Source: Angola Press

L’Algérie va aider la Libye à « constituer une armée et une police », a déclaré jeudi à Alger le ministre algérien des Affaires étrangères Mourad Medelci, trois jours après sa visite à Tripoli où il avait rencontré son homologue libyen Achour ben Khayal.
« Les discussions (avec les responsables libyens) ont porté sur la manière de les aider à constituer une armée et une police », a dit M. Medelci en marge d’une cérémonie présidée par le chef de l’Etat algérien Abdelaziz Bouteflika à l’occasion de la journée mondiale de la femme. M. Medelci a précisé avoir également évoqué avec le responsable libyen la « sécurité aux frontières ». Alger et Tripoli partagent une longue frontière terrestre.

« La Libye a les moyens de sortir de cette phase de transition, et nous allons les aider dans la mesure de nos moyens », a ajouté le ministre algérien, dont les propos sont rapportés par l’agence de presse APS. « Il y aura une série de visites en Libye non seulement au niveau gouvernemental mais également des institutions », a-t-il ajouté.
Au cours de sa visite, M. Medelci avait assuré à Tripoli que la famille Kadhafi, dont une partie est réfugiée en Algérie, ne pourrait plus toucher « un cheveu du peuple libyen ».

Aïcha, ses frères Mohamed et Hannibal, sa mère Safiya et de nombreux membres de la famille, surtout des enfants, sont réfugiés en Algérie depuis fin août.
Mais Aïcha a déclenché la colère de ses hôtes en appelant en novembre les Libyens à se « révolter contre le nouveau gouvernement » de Tripoli.

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La Guinée équatoriale veut former ses unités au Cameroun

Source: Xinhua/Camer.be

Gendarmes Equato-Guineens courtoisie EMA France

Pays voisins et membres de la Communauté économique et monétaire de l’Afrique centrale (CEMAC, composée en outre du Congo, Gabon, de la Centrafrique et du Tchad), la Guinée équatoriale sollicite le Cameroun pour la formation et le perfectionnement de ses unités en matière de sécurité transfrontalière, annonce un communiqué reçu jeudi par Xinhua.Pays voisins et membres de la Communauté économique et monétaire de l’Afrique centrale (CEMAC, composée en outre du Congo, Gabon, de la Centrafrique et du Tchad), la Guinée équatoriale sollicite le Cameroun pour la formation et le perfectionnement de ses unités en matière de sécurité transfrontalière, annonce un communiqué reçu jeudi par Xinhua.

Les deux pays font partie du golfe de Guinée, un espace géographique africain riche en hydrocarbures et d’autres ressources naturelles stratégiques, ce qui en fait une zone de convoitises et d’influence des grandes puissances et qui, par voie de conséquence, se retrouve confronté à la piraterie maritime et la grande criminalité.

En dehors de la réflexion menée, en vue de la sécurisation de cet espace décrété « d’intérêt vital » par les Etats-Unis, dans le cadre de la Commission du golfe de Guinée élargie à d’autres pays de la région, une Commission mixte ad hoc sur les questions consulaires et de sécurité transfrontalière leur permet de se concerter depuis 2010 pour la recherche des solutions à ces phénomènes.

S’y ajoute, « la contrebande généralisée qui s’organise à la frontière des deux pays au détriment de l’économie camerounaise, et qui génère de nombreux litiges de nature à entretenir un climat de tensions », selon le ministère camerounais des Relations extérieures.

« Dans un souci d’efficacité et pour combattre d’indiscipline, la partie équato-guinéenne a émis le voeu de faire assurer la formation et le perfectionnement de ses éléments des forces de sécurité dans les écoles et centres d’instructions camerounais », souligne le communiqué final de la quatrième session de la Commission ad hoc sur les questions consulaires et de sécurité transfrontalière tenue mardi et mercredi à Yaoundé.

En présence des ministres camerounais des Relations extérieures Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo et équato-guinéen de l’Intégration régionale Baltasar Engonga Edjo en compagnie, entre autres, des vice-ministres de la Défense nationale Heriberto Miko Mbengono et de la Sécurité nationale Angel Mokara Moleila, ces assises ont réaffirmé la volonté commune de renforcer la coopération dans le domaine. « Les deux parties se sont convenues de finaliser ultérieurementla mise en oeuvre de la coopération dans le domaine de la formation par voie diplomatique », poursuite le texte dont Xinhua a obtenu copie jeudi dans la capitale camerounaise.

En matière de formation des forces de l’ordre et de sécurité, le Cameroun dispose de longue date d’une Ecole nationale supérieure de police (ENSP) à Yaoundé qui, déjà, accueille des cadres équato-guinéens pour des stages de recyclage, et d’une Ecole militaire interarmes (EMIA).

Une Ecole internationale des forces de sécurité (EIFORCES) à vocation régionale pour l’Afrique et un Cours international supérieur de défense (CISD) ouvert à d’autres continents sont venus renforcer récemment ce dispositif.
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East Africa: EAC Defence Harmonisation Making Headway

Source: The New Times/allAfrica

The bloc’s armies are making significant headway in ongoing efforts to harmonise their common defence strategy, a senior Kenyan military officer said in Kigali yesterday.

Col. Alex Angogo, the senior instructor at the Defence Staff College (DSC) of Kenya, noted this shortly after his colleagues – commandants of command and staff colleges in the East African Community (EAC) started a « strategic level » meeting in Kigali.

« The progress has been very good in the sense that we can be able to meet and discuss issues of common interest and come up with a plan or strategy on how to deal with it. So, with the common training and thinking, it becomes easier to come up with solutions to our problems in the shortest time possible, » Angogo said.

The EAC armed forces command and staff colleges meeting is an annual session in which the officers examine ways of boosting regional security.

The current one is the third of its kind, after the EAC recommended in 2010 that the commandants from partner states meet at least once a year, « to be able to deliberate on the weak and strong areas. »

The officers will also travel to Nyakinama, in Musanze District, home of Senior Command and Staff College.

By James Karuhanga

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Rwanda: Training on the Law of Armed Conflict and military ethics kicks off

Source: Ministry of Defence Rwanda

On 5th March 2012, at Rwanda Military Academy Nyakinama, a 3 week course on Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) and military ethics was officially opened by Brig Gen Jack Musemakweli (RDF J5), on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff. The course will be attended by 30 military officers from the 5 EAC Partner States.

“These officers will discuss and share their experiences in dealing with moral questions and dilemmas in operational situations. The dilemmas indicate how difficult it is to take morally responsible decisions in situations that are intense, where time is usually short and peoples’ lives are at stake”, observed Brig Gen Musemakweli, while officially opening the course.

Under technical and financial facilitation of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the just opened course aims at enhancing professionalism, international humanitarian law as well as military ethics in various areas of operations.

In his remarks, the Dutch Ambassador to Rwanda, H.E Frans Makken, commended Rwanda Defence Force’s professionalism.“This course brings closer the objective that you will be increasingly more capable of solving African problems in Africa with African forces”, Ambassador Makken further observed.

This is the 3rd Course of the kind hosted at Rwanda Military Academy Nyakinama.

Libya Army Graduates First Tripoli-Trained Troops

Source: Agence France Presse/Defense News

Libyan soldiers march at the graduation of commandos of the National Army in the region of Tajura near Tripoli, February 2012. The Libyan national army graduated its first batch of soldiers drawn from the ranks of former rebels in the capital of Tripoli. Photo France 24

The Libyan national army graduated its first batch of soldiers drawn from the ranks of former rebels in the capital of Tripoli, a military officer said March 4.

“This is the first military unit formed by the national army in Tripoli,” Col. Omar Abdullah said of the graduating class of 225 troops.

“It is a symbol of revolutionaries being streamlined into a system with a mission of protecting the state,” he added, gesturing to the men in khaki.

The national army in Libya, which has been refashioning itself after the toppling of slain dictator Moammar Gadhafi’s regime in October, is trying to recruit and train former rebel fighters.

“Our doors are open to all revolutionaries,” the colonel told AFP.

The newly established 23 of October brigade takes its name from the date when the now ruling National Transitional Council of Libya declared “liberation” of the country from Gadhafi’s 42-year-old rule.

The unit received four months of training in military drills and security measures, including the protection of important personalities, self-defense and disarming opponents, a graduate said.

“This is a big chance for us to protect a country which is finally ours,” said Ala Naser al-Din, 31, a resident of Souk al-Jumaa neighborhood, scene of clashes when Tripoli was overrun by anti-Gadhafi fighters in August.

Libyan authorities have repeatedly urged former rebels across Libya to return to civilian life or fall under the authority of the interior or defense ministries.

However, in the eastern city of Benghazi, revolutionary brigades this week staged two days of protests in front of the Ouzu hotel demanding payment and calling for the interior minister’s resignation, an AFP correspondent said.

Togo: les FAT se feminisent

Source: RepublicofTogo

Nafissath Odedele Premiere Officier de Marine Togolaise

Quelques 1464 nouvelles recrues des Forces armées togolaises (FAT) ont été présentées au drapeau lundi au Camp Général Gnassingbé Eyadéma.

La cérémonie s’est déroulée en présence du chef d’Etat major général des FAT, le général Mohamed Atcha Titikpina, des autorités militaires et des diplomates accrédités au Togo.

A noter que 96 femmes font partie de la nouvelle promotion qui comprend, outre des soldats, des pompiers.

« Je saisis cette occasion pour vous rappeler que vous intégrez l’armée au moment où le Togo s’apprête à organiser des élections législatives et locales, confirmant l’irréversibilité de notre ferme engagement dans le processus démocratique+, a précisé M. Titkpina », a déclaré Mohamed Atcha Titikpina.

Nigeria: Stay Clear of Shooting Range, Don’t Panic, Army Advises Public

Source: Leadership/allAfrica

Photo Garth3th Skyscrapercity

The 3 Armoured Division Garrison of the Nigerian Army and its affiliate units would conduct live firing at its shooting range in Miango, near Jos, between March 5 and March 14, a statement has said.

The statement, signed by Lt. Saleh Buba for the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, in Jos, said that there would be a large movement of troops and sounds of gun shots during the period.

« During this period, there will be large movement of military personnel and other military wares. There will be sounds of gun shots of different calibres of weapons.

« The general public and Fulani cattle rearers and farmers are requested to stay away from the general area within this period to avoid being hit by bullets. »

The statement, however, advised members of the public not to panic or entertain any fear over the development as it was purely a normal military training exercise.

While regretting the inconveniences the exercise would cause members of the public around the area, the statement said that adequate safety measures had been put in place to safeguard lives.

Adaptive Logistics Network Guides USARAF Operations in Africa

Source: US Africom

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) hosted a conference for logisticians and logistics partners in Entebbe, Uganda, February 2012 to collaborate on ways to improve efficiencies in mission support.

The main goal of the conference was to develop the initial formation of an Adaptive Logistics Network (ALN) to guide their work in Africa and also to create a group of involved partners who could pool resources and information to ensure choosing the best sustainment solutions. Logistic sections are broadly responsible for movement and maintenance of all forces and equipment.

U.S. Army Africa Logistics Director Colonel Mike Balser said, « Applied correctly, logistics is a science of planning and mission analysis. An ALN is a way of creating an accessible corporate memory by using information associated with previous work in a specific region. With ALN we can work smarter, saving time, money and increasing efficiencies as well, » Balser said.

« I remember one exercise where we needed a life support area built in Africa. The only contractor who bid was from Germany. There was something too rigid, too stove-piped in our process, and there had to be a better way to get the word out so we could work better rates, with a better view of capability organic in Africa, » Balser said. That better way is networking through ALN, he said.

According to Balser, the result of ALN could be a creation of a central database that captures logistics information about a specific geographical area. He explained how an ALN can be applied to a typical Army operation.

« In the case of setting up an operating base, we can recon a location, set up contracts, book vendors, establish quality controls and build a base camp. However, all that work may have been done in that location before. How we access that work and capitalize on those who have worked there before our current operation is the question. »

« Adaptive Logistics Network creates and should sustain close collaboration, cooperation and mutual support between partners and other entities with common objectives. The intent is to save the work done before us, with intent to share among the AFRICOM partners. »

« This database could be used by more than just U.S. organizations; perhaps other nations who work in Africa such as the United Kingdom. A central database with geographic logistics information could be used by other assistance organizations such as the U.S. Department of State and USAID as well as other nations, » Balser said.

Balser offered an example of how ALN could be used in the future.

« For instance, the Government Services Office at an embassy has a list previously used contracts and contractors. Why not share this list as a possible template as we arrive in an operating environment? Additionally, other international armies operating in the area can add to the database, » Balser said. In the near future, USARAF G-4 will assist in the development of an ALN.

« An ALN representative from AFRICOM will be working USARAF G-4 during upcoming missions. The representative will attend planning sessions for future exercises to capture data points which are later referenced in a checklist. The checklist helps planners on the ground find out whether they’ve asked the right, broader, holistic questions to get at all the capability within an operating environment. It will be a good start toward a more robust and defined ALN, » Balser said.

He said an ALN should be in a dynamic system that would allow organizations to work in a positive and collaborative way.

« This database will be a living document and will feature previously executed contracts; airfield and seaport surveys; mortuary affairs capabilities; international agreements; and potential facilities available to use. Additionally, we will ensure that we follow a ‘no harm’ policy when dealing with host nations. For example, we won’t enter into contracts that may disrupt the local environment or economy. We’ll develop an over-watch of the program to ensure our operations don’t skew local economies or create other problems, » Balser said.

By Rich Bartell
U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs Office

USS Simpson Bids Farewell to First APS Shipriders

Source: US Africom

GULF OF GUINEA – Cameroon Navy Lieutenant junior grade Yves Itondo reports back to his ship after boarding the guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56) for boarding team training during Exercise Obangame Express, February 28, 2012. Obangame Express is an at-sea maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Felicito Rustique)

Ten African sailors who spent 27 days aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56) as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS), departed Simpson, February 27, 2012.

The APS shipriders came from the navies of Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo and Togo. The shipriders got aboard Simpson from Morocco when the frigate made a port call in Casablanca, Morocco, January 31.

« I think the most important part of the APS mission is to have the sailors embarked, » said Commander Leonard Milliken, Simpson’s commanding officer. « Each rider is exposed to the daily operations of a U.S. warship. That can’t be taught in a classroom or through PowerPoint. The exposure for my crew to these sailors is priceless as well. As the riders depart, it is definitely understood by all that it didn’t really matter what country you are because in the end, we all understood we are all sailors. »

During their time aboard, the shipriders observed or participated in various shipboard activities such as navigation, medical training, damage control, boat operations, and small arms.

« This experience coming aboard Simpson is the first of its kind for me, » said Cameroonian Navy Sergeant Nkwanda Manases. « I’m really impressed with all the hard work that the sailors here do. They are the ones that keep the ship moving day and night, 24 hours. »

The APS shipriders also completed personal qualification standards relating to the jobs they do in their navy.

« First of all it’s good to know that the Gabonese Navy and the U.S. Navy can come together, » said Gabon Ensign Luther Moulongui. « Personally and technically, as an engineer in my country, I have gained more knowledge about gas turbine engines that will help me do my job more efficiently in the future. »

APS is an international security cooperation initiative facilitated by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

2012 is the fifth year of the APS program’s existence, and this year is the first time Simpson has had the opportunity to support APS while underway.

Simpson, homeported out of Mayport, Florida is currently participating in Exercise Obangame Express 2012. The at-sea maritime exercise is designed to put skills learned from previous APS training events to test in a regional maritime exercise among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea.

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Felicito Rustique
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa

France-Madagascar: formation d’une unité malgache à la lutte contre la piraterie

Source: EMA France

Sources : EMA
Droits : Ministère de la Défense et des anciens combattants

Du 6 au 17 février 2012, sur l’Ile de la Réunion, les parachutistes du 2e régiment de parachutistes d’infanterie de marine (RPIMa) ont encadré un détachement d’instruction opérationnelle (DIO) sur la lutte contre la piraterie au profit d’une soixantaine de fusiliers marins appartenant au 2e régiment des forces d’intervention (RFI) malgache à Diego Suarez.

Après une première phase d’instruction de base du fantassin, puis d’un exercice de combat en zone urbaine, la formation s’est orientée sur des exercices de lutte contre la piraterie.
Les opérations de saisie, de fouilles et de transfert de présumés pirates se sont ainsi succédées afin d’évaluer les savoir-faire des stagiaires.
Le personnel du centre médical interarmées de Saint-Pierre, en renfort auprès des instructeurs du 2e RPIMa, a complété cet enseignement par une instruction sur le sauvetage de combat de premier niveau.
Les Forces armées en zone sud de l’Océan Indien (FAZSOI) participent à des actions de coopération militaire opérationnelle avec de nombreux pays de la zone sud de l’Océan Indien. En 2012, les FAZSOI prévoient la formation de 2 600 militaires des pays voisins dont 1 000 à Madagascar.

 

France-Cap Vert: première formation pour l’Unité de Coopération Régionale

Source: EMA France

Sources : EMA
Droits : Ministère de la Défense et des anciens combattants

Du 16 au 27 janvier 2012, l’unité de coopération régionale (UCR) des Eléments français au Sénégal (EFS) a encadré, pour la première fois depuis sa création en 2011, un détachement d’instruction opérationnelle (DIO) au Cap-Vert. L’instruction s’est faite au profit d’une quarantaine de fusiliers marins et d’une trentaine de policiers militaires cap-verdiens, dans la cadre de la lutte contre le narcotrafic.

Du 16 au 23 janvier à Mindelo , au nord l’île de Sao Vincente , la première phase du DIO s’est déroulée au centre d’instruction militaire Zeca Santos , où les stagiaires ont pu successivement appréhender les techniques d’intervention, d’auto-défense, les procédures radio et les gestes de secourisme.

Du 24 au 27 janvier, la seconde phase a été consacrée à la mise en application concrète de ces savoir-faire : débarquement d’escouade depuis une embarcation à fond souple ; déploiement sur une plage avec sécurisation d’une habitation et neutralisation d’un élément hostile. Lors de la journée des autorités, le ministre de la Défense Cap-Verdien, accompagné de son excellence madame Marie-Christine Glas, ambassadrice de France au Cap-Vert et du chef d’état major des forces armées du Cap-Vert ont assisté à des démonstrations dynamiques des les stagiaires fusiliers marins et de la police militaire.

Le nouveau dispositif des EFS conduit principalement des actions de coopération militaire bilatérales et régionales. Ces actions sont réalisées dans le cadre de l’appui à l’architecture africaine de paix et de sécurité. Les EFS ont formé en 2011 plus de 2800 hommes et femmes au sein de ces détachements.

France-Guinee Conakry: formations de fusiliers marins

ESource: EMA France

Sources : EMA
Droits : Ministère de la Défense et des anciens combattants

Du 20 janvier au 4 février 2012, un détachement d’instruction opérationnel (DIO) des éléments français au Sénégal (EFS) a mené une formation au profit d’une trentaine de fusiliers marins guinéens et consolidé le savoir-faire des équipages sur les trois nouvelles vedettes de surveillance de ce pays.

Sur l’île de Kassa, au centre d’instruction naval de la marine guinéenne, huit instructeurs des EFS ont formé 30 stagiaires aux missions spécifiques des fusiliers marins : combat en zone littorale et opérations d’abordage et défense des navires. En outre, les militaires guinéens ont suivi des entraînements de natation, de tir, de combat à terre et embarqué et réalisé des parcours de franchissement.

Dans le cadre de la formation « équipe de passerelle » , la première semaine a été consacrée à une formation théorique des stagiaires dans les locaux de l’état-major de la marine. Cette formation a permis l’élaboration d’une documentation nautique sur l’organisation et le fonctionnement des trois nouvelles vedettes de surveillance de la marine guinéenne. La deuxième semaine a été consacrée  aux sorties d’entraînement à la mer comportant des exercices d’homme à la mer, d’avarie de barre et de navigation en eaux resserrées.

Lors de la cérémonie de clôture, en présence du capitaine de vaisseau Onivogui, chef d’état-major de la marine guinéenne et du colonel Mora, adjoint interarmées et représentant le général commandant les EFS, les stagiaires « fusiliers marins » et « équipe de passerelle » ont fait une démonstration combinée de leurs savoir-faire en simulant une équipe de visite intervenant en mer à bord d’une vedette.

Preuve de l’efficacité de la formation enseignée par les EFS, peu après la fin du stage, les équipages des vedettes guinéennes ont arraisonné trois navires se livrant à des activités de pêche illégale.

 

Uprising in Mali postpones Canadian military training mission

Source: Agence France Presse/The Ottawa Citizen

Photo courtesy  the Department of National Defence Canada

A Canadian special forces training mission set for Mali has been scuttled as that country finds itself now at war with rebels who are pushing for an autonomous state.

A small team of soldiers from Canadian Forces Base Petawawa was to be in Mali in late February and throughout March as part of a U.S.-organized counter-terrorism training exercise called Flintlock.

But the U.S. has postponed that exercise because Mali is in the midst of an uprising by Tuaregs who are fighting for a separate homeland in the north. The United Nations says more than 126,000 people have fled the fighting, which has killed at least 80.

“As Exercise Flintlock 12 has been postponed, CANSOFCOM will not be sending a contingent to help provide training in reconnaissance, land navigation, marksmanship, and other basic counter-terrorism skills,” the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command or CANSOFCOM, confirmed in an email.

Dutch marines, already in Africa for Flintlock, have also returned home.

The Canadian Special Operations Regiment from Petawawa has sent several small groups of instructors to Mali since last summer to train that country’s counter-terrorism troops. A group of soldiers from the regiment just recently returned.

The special forces trainers do not accompany Malian troops to the front-lines as the instruction is done on bases.

There was a debate in U.S. military circles on whether to proceed with the Flintlock exercise, as a show of force that western nations are committed to supporting governments in the region. But it was decided that since Malian troops were so heavily involved in combat, its military couldn’t spare the soldiers to be trained by Canadian and other special forces.

The Flintlock exercise was also to have trained other military units from African nations who were to come to Mali.

The fighting follows the overthrow of Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi last year by opposition forces, which credit NATO and Canada’s involvement for their victory.

Many of the Tuaregs now fighting Malian troops had been employed in Gadhafi’s military or were working in the country. With the demise of their benefactor they returned to their homes in Mali, armed with military equipment stolen from Libyan stockpiles.

Last month they launched a series of attacks on several northern towns in Mali as part of their campaign for autonomy.

Tuareg are a nomadic community of about 1.5 million people, with various groups scattered between Algeria, Burkina Faso, Libya, Niger and Mali.

Mali and Niger have faced a number of Tuareg uprisings over the decades as the group has fought for recognition of their identity and an independent state. The latest offensive is their most significant effort in years.

Mali is also dealing with the threat from al-Qaeda in the region.

“This is exactly the place we should be in terms of trying to develop a counter-terrorism capacity in the Sahel and in North Africa,” Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson, head of the Ottawa-based CANSOFCOM told the Citizen in December. “This is a natural fit for us.”

In addition, the Canadian Special Operations Regiment trained Malian special forces last year at the Flintlock exercise, which was held at the time in Senegal.

But it is unclear when the next Canadian training mission to Mali will occur since there is no end in sight to the ongoing fighting. Such training occurs in response to requests from the Malian government, and is approved by the Canadian government, noted the email from CANSOFCOM.

“Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Once approved, training visits are scheduled at a time that is convenient for both Canada and Mali,” the email added.

On Tuesday the Red Cross issued an appeal for emergency funds to “help forestall a major humanitarian crisis” in the west African nations of Niger and Mali.

The appeal for $13.7 million is aimed at helping about 700,000 people threatened by drought as well as fighting in northern Mali, the International Committee of the Red Cross said in a statement.

“The fighting has resulted in casualties. In addition, people have been taken captive and families have been dispersed,” said Boris Michel, the ICRC’s North and West Africa head of operations.

Gadhafi’s removal from power has thrown the region into turmoil, according to a January report done for the United Nations Security Council.

Gadhafi had offered employment for large numbers of Africans and those people are now returning home. As a result, lawlessness and clashes between various groups have surged and the home nations have been unable to feed many of the returnees.

“As a result of the crisis, millions of economic migrants, especially from Chad, Mali, Mauritania and the Niger and other African countries, were forced to flee Libya and return to the communities they had left in search of better living conditions,” the UN report noted. “Over night, the governments of the region had to contend with the impact of the crisis on an already challenging, humanitarian, development and security situation.”

In addition, large quantities of arms and ammunition stolen from Libyan stockpiles have found their way into the hands of various rebel and criminal groups, including al-Qaeda.

The Canadian government and military have portrayed the campaign to overthrow Gadhafi as a major victory, not only for the Libyan people but also for the Canadian Forces.

By David Pugliese

France-Libye: accord de defense sur la formation et le controle des frontieres

Source: Theatrum-Belli

Gérard Longuet s’est entretenu avec Moustapha Mohammed Abdeljalil, le président du Conseil National de Transition  libyen – R.Pellegrino

La France et la Libye ont signé un accord de défense pour la formation des forces libyennes et le contrôle des frontières, a déclaré le ministre français de la Défense, Gérard Longuet, lors de la signature d’une lettre d’intention avec son homologue Oussama Al Juweilli.

Le renforcement du contrôle passe par l’utilisation de moyens techniques modernes, avions, satellites, systèmes optiques ou radar. Paris et Tripoli entendent également renforcer leur coopération dans le domaine de la sécurité maritime, des équipes françaises participant actuellement au déminage des ports libyens. Un accord a notamment été conclu pour la formation en France de plongeurs libyens. La France assurera par ailleurs la remise en état des Mirage F1 de l’armée libyenne, qui possédait une douzaine de ces appareils.

Djiboutian Special Forces, U.S. Soldiers Share Language Skills

Source: US Africom

KARABTI SAN, Djibouti – Djiboutian Special Forces soldiers participate in a language class in Karabti San, Djibouti with U.S. Army Sergeant 1st Class Timothy Scally, Civil Affairs Team 4902 team sergeant, February 1, 2012. The class is part of an ongoing program between soldiers from the Djiboutian Special Forces and Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, where participants learn and practice conversing in English, Afar and Somali. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Stephen Linch)

Djiboutian and U.S. Army soldiers participated in a language class led by Civil Affairs Team 4902 in Karabti San, Djibouti, February 1, 2012.

The class was part of an ongoing program between the Djiboutian Special Forces and CAT 4902, 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, where soldiers of both nations learn and practice conversing in English, Afar and Somali.

« We are at the first phase, » said Djiboutian Special Forces Captain Arayta Houmed Ebile, unit commander. « We hope that my soldiers will be able to speak English in a few months time. »

The class covers words and phrases used in day-to-day conversation such as ‘good morning’ and ‘how are you,’ said U.S. Army Sergeant 1st Class Timothy Scally, CAT 4902 team sergeant.

Although both the U.S. and Djiboutian soldiers look forward to learning new languages, it’s not the only reason they attend the class.

« The program gives us a chance to bond and strengthen our relationship, » Scally said. « The Djiboutians are our allies and we want to build a lasting relationship with these soldiers. »

The class is just one of the many ways Djiboutian soldiers and the U.S. military interact, said Scally. The soldiers have patrolled together, worked together on various projects and shared meals every chance they get, he said.

The fact that the soldiers are from different countries has little bearing on their relationship, Scally added. « These are fellow soldiers, though they are not U.S. soldiers, » he said. « We live amongst them. We train with them. We interact with them. We have befriended each other. »

According to Ebile, who was the officiating officer for Scally’s promotion to sergeant 1st class in January, the feeling is mutual.

« Ever since we met the CA team, we have developed a good relationship, » Ebile said. « We are very grateful to have the CA team as friends. »

By U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Stephen Linch
CJTF-HOA Public Affairs

 

France-Senegal: formation d’officiers africains

Source: EMA France

Crédits : ECPAD / armée de Terre
Formation d’officiers africains aux techniques de tir au combat

Du 13 au 15 février 2012, des instructeurs des éléments français au Sénégal (EFS) ont dispensé au profit d’une trentaine d’officiers élèves issus de 15 nationalités africaines une instruction sur le tir au combat (ISTC).

Le stage s’est déroulé au sein l’Ecole d’application de l’infanterie (EAI) de Thiès, située à 70 km à l’Est de Dakar.

Durant ces 3 jours de formation, les EFS ont pu apporter tout leur savoir-faire et leur approche pédagogique en matière d’instruction au combat.
La première journée était dédiée à une instruction théorique et la réappropriation des fondamentaux liés à la manipulation de l’arme, étape nécessaire avant une mise en situation réelle.
Les deux jours suivants, sous l’œil expert des instructeurs français, les stagiaires ont enchainé, à un rythme soutenu, les différentes postures de tir, dans le respect des règles de sécurité et d’engagement du feu.

« Cette formation permet de consolider mes acquis afin de mieux restituer auprès de mes soldats » a confié le lieutenant sénégalais Mamadou Oualy à l’issue du stage.

Par leur implication dans ces détachements d’instruction opérationnelle (DIO), les éléments français au Sénégal contribuent à la montée en puissance du dispositif de coopération militaire opérationnelle bilatérale et régionale. Cette coopération s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’appui à l’architecture africaine de paix et de sécurité et de soutien aux missions de maintien de la paix dans la région.

 

France-Comores: mission de formation

Source: EMA France

Crédits : armée de Terre / EMAUn militaire français de la Légion étrangère et un militaire comorien sur le terrain : apprentissage des techniques de combat – Ministère de la Défense et des anciens combattants

Du 6 au 16 février 2012, un détachement des forces armées dans la zone sud de l’océan Indien (FAZSOI) s’est rendu à Moroni afin de conduire une formation au profit de l’Armée nationale de développement (AND).

L’ensemble de cette formation s’est déroulé au camp militaire d’Itsoundzou à 15km au nord de la capitale.

Un détachement d’instruction opérationnelle (DIO) à dominante infanterie, composé de militaires du Détachement de Légion Etrangère de Mayotte (DLEM) a dispensé les savoir faire infanterie et un entrainement au tir de combat ALI au profit de deux compagnies de l’armée comorienne.

En parallèle, un détachement de spécialistes de la direction interarmées du service de santé (DIASS) a conduit un détachement d’instruction technique santé (DIT). 3 médecins et 12 infirmiers du service de santé comorien  ont ainsi été formés aux gestes techniques du secours au combat.

Une cérémonie officielle placée sous la présidence du ministre de la défense comorien, Mr Mmadi Ali et de l’Ambassadeur de France, Mr Philippe Lacoste, s’est déroulée le 15 février 2012, au cours de laquelle le lieutenant-colonel (TA) O’Mahony, chef de corps du DLEM et représentant officiel du COMSUP FAZSOI, et le Médecin en chef Pull, directeur du service de santé de la Réunion, ont remis les attestations de formation à l’ensemble des stagiaires comoriens.
Ces formations au profit des forces armées comoriennes s’inscrivent dans le cadre du nouvel accord de partenariat en matière de Défense signé en septembre 2010 et dans le cadre de la reprise de la coopération militaire bilatérale avec les Comores en 2011.

Cameroun-USA: Ouverture de la conférence principale de planification, Africa Endeavor 2012

Source: Journal du Cameroun

Comme chaque année, les forces armées de plus de 35 pays d’Afrique, d’Europe et de l’ouest, se retrouvent pour évaluer les avancées relatives à la planification de l’Africa Endeavor. Il s’agit d’un exercice conjointement parrainé par le Commandement des États-Unis pour l’Afrique (AFRICOM), et soutenu par l’Union Africaine. Cette année, ce sont les forces armées de la République du Cameroun qui accueilleront au mois de juin prochain, le déroulement de l’exercice baptisé, Africa Endeavor 2012 (AE-12). D’où l’ouverture ce lundi à Douala, de la conférence de planification. Plus de 200 participants représentant 35 pays africains, les États-Unis, le Canada, les Pays-Bas, l’Union africaine, la CEDEAO et la CEEAC, prennent part à cette rencontre. Le programme de la conférence principale de planification de cette semaine prévoit, une cérémonie d’ouverture officielle le lundi, 27 Mars 2012. Suite au discours du colonel Andrew Kostic, Directeur adjoint de l’AFRICOM pour les exercices, et du Général de Division SALY MOHAMADOU. Commandant de la deuxième Région Militaire Interarmées des forces armées camerounaises, les délégués des 35 nations africaines participantes seront également reconnus, indique l’ambassade des États-Unis au Cameroun.

Développer les pratiques standards des communications militaires
Au cours des quatre jours suivants, les planificateurs de l’exercice vont s’employer respectivement à finaliser le concept de l’exercice de 2012, et à poursuivre la planification détaillée démarré lors de la Conférence initiale de planification qui a eu lieu à Maseru, au Lesotho en Novembre, 2011. L’AE est axé sur l’interopérabilité des communications entre les nations partenaires africaines. Depuis son lancement en 2006, Africa Endeavor vise à améliorer les capacités sécuritaires de nos partenaires africains en aidant dans le développement des pratiques standard des communication militaires qui permettront de mieux soutenir les opérations à venir dans le théâtre africain, poursuit l’ambassade des États-Unis au Cameroun. Cette année, le but de l’exercice est de tester les liens de communication et les processus utilisés pour soutenir les Forces africaines en attente déployées pour fournir l’assistance humanitaire et répondre à d’autres crises sur le continent africain. En plus de tester l’interopérabilité technique, cet exercice pratique nous permet également d’établir et de développer l’interopérabilité humaine qui doit se produire entre les nations partenaires pour la réussite d’une opération, affirme le commandant de la marine américaine, Bryan McRoberts, planificateur principal de l’AE 2012. Souvent, ce sont les facteurs humains qui s’avèrent les plus critiques au cours d’une crise ou d’une urgence, et les exercices comme celui-ci nous permettent d’établir des relations clés entre les forces avant qu’une crise ne se produise effectivement, ajoute-t-il. L’événement qui débute ce lundi, s’cheve le 02 mars 2012.

Par Makeda Lydie Gnotuom

USA-Mali: Service Members from Mali Take Part in Aerial Resupply and Recovery Exercise

Source: US Africom

MOPTI, Mali – A Malian airman recovers a helicopter box as part of the air drop recovery training with the 2/19th Special Forces as part of exercise Atlas Accord, near Mopti, Mali, February 13, 2012. Atlas Accord ’12 was a bilateral exercise between the U.S. military, Mali Defense Force, and partner nations to promote interoperability and aerial resupply for humanitarian aid. (U.S. Army photo by Sergeant Mark Henderson.)

U. S. service members joined troops from six partner nations with the purpose of sharing their knowledge of aerial resupply and recovery of as part of exercise Atlas Accord in Mali, February 2012.

Members of the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) conducted pathfinder training to locate suitable drop zones, cleared the area to ensure the safety of local residents, marked the drop zones for the aircraft and recovered supplies.

« The training was really interesting, » said Malian Army Sergeant Oumar Traore, as airborne infantryman.

« The 19th SFG taught us to set-up the operational readiness platform, to send out reconnaissance patrols, and establish security at the drop zone. We’ve learned how to conduct these operations under any circumstances. This exercise also helps us work with troops from other nations, » he said.

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Dane C. Eital, an operator with Co. C, 2nd Battalion, 19th SFG (Abn.) agreed.

« The training has been going very well. We’ve been learning from them as much as they’ve been learning from us, » said the Chico, California native. U.S. Army Captain Bob V. Luthor from Huntington, West Virginia, a team leader with Co. C, 2nd Bn., 19th SFG (Abn.) chimed in, « The participants were very attentive and we were able to show them our tactics and see theirs as well. It’s been great to see troops from all these nations come together to get the ‘mission’ accomplished. »

There have been challenges, but the Malians were very resourceful, Luther continued. They removed a second set of pilot flight controls from one of the smaller aircraft to fit the supplies and personnel to drop them.

The focus of the exercise was to deliver supplies to people who may not have access to normal supply lines due to natural disasters or other difficult circumstances, Eital said.

The pathfinder training during Atlas Accord 12 can potentially help future joint operations between partner nations to deliver humanitarian supplies safely to those in need.

By Sergeant Mark A. Henderson
128th MPAD, UTARNG

Un exercice militaire maritime international au Nigeria

Source: PANA/Afrique en ligne

Le Nigeria accueille un exercice militaire maritime international – Un exercice militaire maritime international de quatre jours ayant pour nom de code ‘Obangame express 2012′, a commencé lundi dans le Golfe de Guinée.

L’exercice qui est organisé par le Nigeria à travers le Commandement naval Est de la marine nigériane (NN), a vu la participation de 13 pays dont le Nigeria, les Etats-Unis, la France, l’Italie, l’Espagne, le Cameroun, le Ghana, le Gabon, la Guinée Equatoriale, Sao Tomé & Principe, le Togo, le Bénin et le Congo.

Quatre navires de guerre de la marine nigériane ont été déployés pour l’exercice, alors que les pays participant à l’exercice devraient déployer leurs propres navires de guerre ou des observateurs.

En plus des navires de guerre, la NN va également déployer des hélicoptères, tandis que l’Armée de l’air nigériane devrait déployer un avion de patrouille maritime (MPA).

Certains autres navires de guerre de la NN devraient être déployés à proximité de la zone d’exercice pour intervenir en cas de besoin.

L’Officier général commandant (FOC), le contre-amiral Usman Jibrin, a déclaré à la presse à Calabar, que l’opération’Obangame Express’ est un exercice d’interdiction maritime basé sur des scénarios de simulation des crimes internationaux les plus répandus en mer.

‘Elle vise à renforcer les capacités d’intervention des marines dans le golfe de Guinée. Elle est conçue pour encourager les pays de la région à améliorer l’interopérabilité des communications et le partage des informations de sensibilisation dans le domaine maritime, en vue d’exploiter leurs efforts collectifs pour lutter contre la piraterie, le trafic d’êtres humains et d’autres crimes maritimes’, a-t-il ajouté.

Il a tenu à préciser que les objectifs stratégiques de l’exercice étaient d’assurer la sécurité et la sureté maritime par des partenariats militaires internationaux et de développer la formation et la motivation des professionnels maritimes.

Rwanda: African Military Officers Conclude Security Course

Source: The New Times/allAfrica

Musanze-Senior Military officers, drawn from several African countries emerging from conflict, yesterday completed an international course in security sector reforms.

The two-week training, which drew 30 participants, including police officers and officials from the judicial sector, was held at Rwanda Peace Academy, Nyakinama.

The course, which was organised by the International Security Sector Advisory Team-ISSAT, in partnership with Rwanda Peace Academy, also doubled as a training of trainers programme

West African states represented included Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, who were mainly here to learn from Rwanda’s experience in peace building. Partner states of the East African Community (EAC) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were also represented.

The Minister of Defence, James Kabarebe, who presided over the closing ceremony, urged post conflict countries to consider security as a prerequisite for development.

« Security sector reform is not only for post conflict countries, but for every country, and it is always a combined effort for all actors, both national and international, and its outcome has a direct relationship with human security, » Kabarebe said.

The two-week course is the second to be held in Africa, following the inaugural one in Bamako, Mali, last year and mainly focused on security sector reform challenges related to peace support operations.

« The success of this course will therefore be judged on the degree to which it contributed to the achievement of freedom from fear and freedom from want for the citizens of the concerned countries, » Kabarebe underscored.

He said that Rwanda is committed to building and sustaining capacity to address national issues in the wider sense of security sector reform towards a positive peace and sustainable development, as well as being a responsible player in world peace and security.

The ISSAT team leader, Lt. Gen. Marc Caron, hailed Rwanda’s vision of promoting peace and visionary leadership.

« Every one of you should take the lessons leant from this course and the experiences shared for promotion of peace and security, which will lead to the welfare of the ordinary people, » Carson urged.

The Director of Rwanda Peace Academy, Col. Innocent Kabandana, informed those present that Rwanda Peace Academy remains committed to the promotion of national, regional and continental peace and security through training grounded in post conflict areas.

The visiting Ivory Coast, Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Soumaïla Bakayoko, also attended the ceremony. Two officers from his country participated in the training.

By Bonny Mukombozi

SANDF:Appointment of the New Dean for the Military Academy, Faculty Military Science in Saldanha

Source: Ministry of Defence South Africa

The Military Academy, the Faculty of Military Science at the Stellenbosch University has announced the formal appointment of Professor Maasutha Samuel Tshehla as the new dean with effect from 01 January 2012. Professor Tshehla takes over the reigns from Prof Edna van Harte who resigned at the end of 2011 after reaching her retirement age. Academically, Prof Tshehla possess Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Mathematical Science obtained from the then University of the North in 1997, BSc Honours Degree in Applied Mathematics in 1999 and a Master of Science Degree in Applied Mathematics in 2001. He further graduated from the University of Cape Town (UCT) with a PhD degree in Industrial Mathematics in 2009. His research interest is in Fluid dynamics in the field of Industrial Mathematics. Prof Tshehla (41), brings with him a load of experience to his new responsibilities, the highest post in the institution since 2002, when he joined the Military Academy as a Mathematics Lecturer. He first cut his teeth into the academic world as a junior lecturer in Applied Mathematics, lecturing in Classical Mathematics at the University of the North until 2001 when he joined the Department of Water Affairs, where he worked as a flood frequency analyst, at the Flood Studies Directorate. As he continues distinguish himself and rise to the greater heights in the academy, his hard work was noticed in 2005 by the top management, when he was elected the Secundus Dean, the position he held until the end of 2011. Prof Sam Tshehla, as he is affectionately known to his colleagues at the academy, has also been promoted to the rank of an Associate Professor in Mathematics. He will work closely with Col M. Vena, the acting Commandant after the departure of Maj Gen Lindile Yam who was appointed the General Officer Commanding SA Army Infantry Formation.

By Maj Engela Meintjies (Military Academy Communication Officer)

 

Rwanda Military Hospital provides medical services to Kamonyi residents

Source: Ministry of Defence Rwanda

Rwanda Military Hospital launched on this Feb 13th, a five days medical outreach program in Nyamiyaga Sector, Kamonyi District, Southern Province.

The program, made possible by a mobile clinic that was offered by the Korea Foundation for International Healhcare, will enable local residents, especially more than 500 children, to have access to free medical care provided by a military medical team led by Maj Dr King Kayondo.

According to Dr Kayondo, medical services that will be offered by the military medical team will include but not limited to pediatric, ophthalmology, dermatology and dental.

The just launched medical outreach, a second of the kind in Kamonyi District, is organised jointly with the Ministry of Health, Rwanda Military Hospital and Good Neighbors, a South Korean Non Government Organisation operating in Kamonyi District.

USA-Burkina Faso: La stratégie militaire en révision

Source: Sidwaya/LeFaso.net

Dans le cadre de la coopération militaire entre les Etats-Unis d’Amérique et le Burkina Faso, le ministère de la Défense nationale et des Anciens combattants organise, du 13 au 17 février 2012 à Ouagadougou, un séminaire de planification d’une nouvelle stratégie militaire.

« L’intérêt du présent séminaire réside au niveau des réorientations stratégiques dans l’acquisition et l’utilisation des moyens de défense de notre pays, en prenant en compte de nouveaux acteurs et un contexte de plus en plus changeant(…) », a soutenu le chef d’état-major général des armées, le général de brigade, Honoré Nabéré Traoré, à l’ouverture des travaux. Justifiant ainsi le bien-fondé de la rencontre qu’il préside, M. Traoré a rappelé que depuis 1994, la stratégie militaire du Burkina Faso n’a pas été révisée, alors que le département de la défense a connu des « mutations diverses tant du point de vue de sa structuration que de ses missions ».

Eu égard donc à ce nouvel environnement empreint de défis sécuritaires multiples, les participants au séminaire, notamment des des officiers et officiers supérieurs, vont repenser la politique de défense nationale. La mission fondamentale des Forces armées nationales (FAN), à savoir la préservation de l’intégrité du territoire national, sera donc revue, pour être adaptée aux nouveaux contextes national, sous-régional et mondial. Ce travail de réflexion qui débouchera sur la production d’une nouvelle stratégie militaire nationale, note-t-on, se fera avec l’apport d’experts américains en stratégie militaire, issus de l’Ecole de guerre de l’Armée de terre des Etats-Unis d’Amérique.

Louant l’existence de la coopération militaire entre le Burkina Faso et son pays, le représentant des experts, le colonel Kurt Crytzer a affirmé : « nous allons revoir la stratégie militaire nationale du Burkina Faso, pour la mettre en adéquation avec la vision des autorités civiles. Nous allons assurer la facilitation et le gros du travail sera fait par les officiers burkinabè ». Représentant l’ambassadeur des Etats-Unis au Burkina, le premier conseiller, Christopher R. Davis, a opiné : « il nous permet d’accompagner l’armée nationale dans sa professionnalisation et de renforcer notre coopération avec le Burkina Faso ». Cette coopération a été magnifiée à juste titre par le chef d’état-major général des armées qui, au cours de son intervention, est revenu sur ses acquis.

Il a cité, entre autres, la signature d’un accord d’assistance mutuelle, l’admission du Burkina à plusieurs programmes militaires américains, l’équipement du Bataillon Laafi et la tenue de l’exercice militaire multilatéral, FLINTLOCK 2010 au « Pays des hommes intègres ».

Par Kader Patrick KARANTAO

USA-Burkina Faso: les Forces armées nationales à l’école de guerre américaine

Source: Fasozine

Elaborer une stratégie militaire au profit des Forces armées nationales (FAN) burkinabè. C’est l’objectif du séminaire de «Planification stratégique pour l’élaboration d’une stratégie militaire nationale» qui s’est ouvert ce 13 octobre à Ouagadougou. Prévue pour durer jusqu’au 17 février 2012, il sera animé par une équipe de hauts responsables du corps professoral de l’US Army War College (Ecole de guerre de l’Armée de terre américaine).

Ce séminaire revêt une importance particulière à bien des égards. Selon le chef d’Etat-major général des Armées, le général de brigade Nabéré Honoré Traoré. Pour atteindre des résultats probants dans le domaine de la défense, il est utile de disposer d’une feuille de route. Ce qui passe par l’examen des contextes interne et externe de l’environnement et par des projections d’avenir.
Aussi, «l’intérêt de ce séminaire réside au niveau des réorientations stratégiques dans l’acquisition et l’utilisation des moyens de défense de notre pays, en prenant en compte de nouveaux acteurs et un contexte de plus en plus changeant», a expliqué le général Traoré. La rencontre permettra ainsi une révision de la stratégie militaire burkinabè qui date de 1994. Ainsi à la fin des travaux, les séminaristes proposeront à l’attention des autorités, un schéma pour mieux «utiliser nos capacités afin d’atteindre les objectifs nationaux en fonction du nouvel environnement national, sous-régional, ainsi que mondial et des dangers qui s’y présentent», a confié le Chef d’Etat major général des armées.
Avant de déclarer l’ouverture des travaux, il a souligné que la coopération militaire entre le Burkina Faso et les Etats-Unis d’Amérique est au beau fixe. En témoigne la bourse que le Burkina Faso a obtenue cette année, pour l’école de guerre américaine. Une première du genre, selon Nabéré Traoré.

Par Elza Sandrine Sawadogo

Nigeria: Army Warns Officers On Exam Malpratice

Source: Leadership Nigeria/allAfrica

Maj-Gen Joseph Okunbor, the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army, has warned junior officers who are writing the 2012 Lieutenant-Captain Practical Promotion Examination (LCPPE) to shun examination malpractice.

Okunbor gave the warning in Ota, Ogun, on Sunday in his address to the 276 candidates who sat for the examinations, charging them to prove their competence which would determine their future.

« Examination success should not be obtained by fraudulent means. You must avoid acts capable of tarnishing your image, or terminating your career abruptly while on this examination. »

Okunbor warned them that dismissal was the penalty for candidates caught with cheating; adding that any form of malpractice would attract punishment.

He said the examinations were aimed at improving the knowledge of the officers, to assist the army in career planning and test their ability to administer human resources and other abilities.

« When I was writing the examination in 1981, I did not know I would become a general. So today, I would admonish you all to aspire to be generals. »

While answering questions from journalists, Okunbor said that measures were already in place to ensure that female officers were included in future.

« We just introduced female combatant cadets in the Nigerian Defence Academy and in the next two to three years, they would begin to write this examination. »

He said that the army expected a high degree of integrity, honesty and competence to be exhibited by the candidates.

Okunbor said that the army only made provision for the officers to pass the examinations at a maximum of three sittings or lose their military careers.

The examinations are expected to begin from Feb. 12 to Feb. 17 and the programme is coordinated by 81 Division of the Nigerian Army.

The practical examination is part of the requirement combatant officers need for promotion to the rank of captain and the candidates are drawn from the army formations.

Belgique-RDC: Kindu, de militaire à commando

Source: Ministere de la Defense Belgique

Photo Daniel Orban

Depuis le 6 février 2012, des militaires du 2^e Bataillon de Commandos de Flawinne ont pris la relève de leurs collègues à Kindu. Dans le cadre du programme de partenariat militaire, ils s’attèlent depuis octobre 2011 à la formation de leurs homologues en République Démocratique du Congo.

« La formation du 322^e Bataillon URR – Unité de Réaction Rapide – comprend trois périodes, explique l’adjudant-chef Lamotte; après l’instruction de base et la phase infanterie légère, nous entamons à présent le module opérations spéciales. » Durant cette dernière étape de leur formation de six mois, les stagiaires congolais acquièrent les techniques spécifiques du commando : tirs, amphibie, combats sans arme, piste de cordes, etc. La pratique a désormais pris le pas sur la théorie.

À l’image des militaires belges qui les encadrent, les recrues font preuve de discipline. Ils connaissent à présent le sens du mot rigueur et organisent leur cantonnement. Le 322^e Bataillon URR avec ses 600 hommes répartis en 4 compagnies et 16 pelotons se transforme… À la vue de deux militaires congolais affaissés sur la bute qui leur sert de poste d’observation, l’adjudant-chef Lamotte s’empresse d’ajouter un sourire aux lèvres : «Nous sommes stricts mais sans exagération, on ne bouleverse pas les mentalités en quelques semaines !» Sur un bon millier de candidats, environ 600 parviendront au bout de cette formation dispensée par les Belges et réaliseront leur rêve : être commando !

Par Caroline Deprez

Belgique-Burundi: l’expérience belge au service du Burundi

Source: Ministere de la Defense Belgique

À Bujumbura, trois officiers belges donnent cours à dix instructeurs burundais. Du 8 janvier au 26 février 2012, ils les forment à la gestion du budget, du personnel et du matériel au sein de l’Institut Supérieur des Cadres Militaires (ISCAM).

Les coaches belges ont une triple mission. Ils conseillent les Burundais dans l’art de donner cours en toute autonomie et forment chaque année de nouveaux instructeurs. Un nombre toujours croissant de Burundais sont ainsi aptes à transmettre le management aux élèves de l’école militaire. Enfin, ils examinent les potentialités de chaque groupe afin de déterminer une relève d’instructeurs.

L’équipe actuelle est la cinquième qui effectue ce type de mission. Depuis la signature de l’accord de coopération en 2009, les Belges encadrent les instructeurs burundais deux fois par an. Le détachement se compose de trois officiers spécialistes en gestion financière, des ressources humaines et du matériel. Un sous-officier responsable de l’appui logistique, complète l’effectif .

U.S., Malian Military Medics Train to Save Lives

Source: US Africom

MOPTI, MALI – Malian Medical Defense Forces Colonel Youssouf Traore practices the use of a ring cutter on U.S. Army Sergeant La Tonia R. Luna, 807th Medical Detachment Support Command, during a medical equipment demonstration in Mopti, Mali, February 7, 2012. The 807th MDSC were in Mali as medical support for the Atlas Accord 12 exercise. (U. S. Army photo by Specialist Kimberly Trumbull)

Soldiers of the 807th Medical Deployment Support Command, Fort Douglas, Utah, joined with their Malian medical defense forces counterparts for the start of Atlas Accord12 in Mopti, Mali, February 7-15, 2012.

This annual-joint-aerial-delivery exercise, hosted by U.S. Army Africa, brings together U.S. Army personnel with militaries in Africa to enhance air drop capabilities and ensure effective delivery of military resupply materials and humanitarian aid.

Doctors and medics from both militaries are seizing this unique opportunity to expand on training.

While in Mali, 807th medics were asked by Malian Army Colonel Youssouf Treore, commander of the medical detachment in Mopti, to aid Malian medical personnel in the use of supplies they received from U.S. forces several years ago.

Treore said the supplies are very practical, easy to use, and helpful to the Malian Medical Defense Forces.

« We are training with the Malian medical personnel on different types of equipment that include cervical braces, finger splints, ring cutters, pressure bandages, back boards and more, » said Major Dean A. Nelson, a family physician assigned to the 328th CSH, 807th MDSC.

« These Malian soldiers and medical personnel have on-the-job training, so it is very rewarding to show them and see their excitement when we demonstrate the proper use of the equipment, » said Sergeant La Tonia R. Luna, an 807th MDSC Army healthcare specialist.

American medical personnel gained experience from working with the Malians.

« I learned they do a lot with a little. I don’t know how they handle trauma situations but, it’s impressive how they do it, » said Staff Sergeant Anthony P. Baca, an 807th MDSC Army healthcare specialist.

« Training will help our medics become better since they are teaching the Malians through interpreters and have to move slowly and ensure they are understood; it gives them a better understanding of the training they are providing, » said Lieutenant Colonel David H. Moikeha, an emergency physician, assigned to the 94th Combat Support Hospital, 807th MDSC.

Baca said he is impressed with the willingness to learn of both militaries. Luna agreed.

« The Malians asked very good questions and were curious about the use of the equipment and now they know how to use it to help their patients, » Luna said.

« Helping patients recover is important to the people, » Treore said.

« We receive so much trauma from highway accidents, military and civilian, » he said. « The equipment we have will help us care for the trauma patients we receive at our level. »

Treore added he was grateful for the experience. « I appreciate the cooperation with the U.S. Army, » he said. It (the training) is very practical and it will help us face all of our needs. »

By Sergeant Mark A. Henderson
128th MPAD, Utah Army National Guard

France-Djibouti: stage de médicalisation en milieu hostile

Source: EMA France

Sources : EMA
Droits : Ministère de la Défense et des anciens combattants

Du 29 janvier au 2 février 2012, 12 militaires du centre médical interarmées des forces françaises stationnées à Djibouti (FFDj) ont suivi un stage de médicalisation en milieu hostile.

Le stage avait pour objectif de perfectionner les médecins, infirmiers et auxiliaires sanitaires des FFDj dans les techniques de prise en charge des blessés au combat, et ce dans des conditions d’engagement difficiles.
Des médecins des FFDj et de métropole encadraient les stagiaires. Les instructeurs ont apporté leur expérience de la médicalisation en milieu hostile acquise lors de leurs missions en opérations extérieures, notamment en Afghanistan.
Pour l’entrainement, les équipes médicales ont été insérées au sein de la 1^ere compagnie du 5^e régiment interarmes d’outre-mer (RIAOM). Elles ont du suivre les sections prises sous le feu et prendre en charge les blessés. Un hélicoptère Puma du détachement de l’aviation légère de l’armée de Terre (DETALAT) a permis l’évacuation des blessés.
Les stages d’aguerrissement ont avant tout pour objectif d’approfondir l’entrainement au combat dans des conditions extrêmes.

Ugandan troops receive anti-piracy training from EU Navfor

Source: DefenceWeb

A dozen Ugandan soldiers from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have received vessel protection training from French and Ukrainian specialists.

The team was trained in Kenya’s capital Mombasa. The training is the second in an ongoing scheme and part of the comprehensive approach to improve AMISOM capabilities, in this case with enhanced and specialised drills to respond to a potential pirate attack, the EU Navfor said.

The EU Navfor trained AMISOM Vessel Protection Detachment (VPD) will form a group of troops who may embark on the ships providing logistic support for AMISOM shipping en-route to Mogadishu.

Training in the pirates’ modus operandi, tactics, rules of engagement, unarmed combat and detention of suspects were carried out before moving to the AMISOM ship for practical drills.

EU Navfor troop from France and Estonia trained another group of 24 Ugandan troops in December last year. They received vessel protection instruction aboard the French frigate FS Floreal in Mombasa.

According to the EU Naval Force, the training will allow significant flexibility in the planning for World Food Programme and AMISOM escorts.

EU Navfor conducts counter-piracy in the Indian Ocean and is responsible for the protection of World Food Program ships carrying humanitarian aid for the people of Somalia and the logistic support vessels of the African Union troops conducting Peace Support Operations in Somalia. Additionally, EU Navfor monitors fishing activity off the coast of Somalia.

The European Union is also providing training to Somali troops to combat lawlessness on land. Late last year 619 trainees were brought from Somalia to Uganda to undergoing soldier training under a partnership between the Ugandan People’s Defence Force and the European Union Training Mission Somalia. This was the third intake of Somali trainees since the EU launched its military training mission in April 2010.

A dozen European countries have contributed to the training effort to strengthen Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG). The EU has said that there can be no purely military solution to the crisis in Somalia and that such support must be matched by complementary political efforts by the TFG.

Source: US Africom

ELMINA, Ghana – Burkina Faso Army National Fire Brigade Commander Colonel Silas Keita (left) and Burkina Faso Army Deputy Chief of Army Staff Colonel Major Barro Gnibanga listen to a briefing by a representative of the World Food Program during the opening day of the Ghana National Government Pandemic Disaster Response Tabletop Exercise on February 6, 2012. The five-day exercise, which brought together approximately 120 civilian and military representatives, will assist the Ghanaian government in assessing their pandemic influenza preparedness. The exercise was organized by U.S. Africa Command, supported by the Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine, and funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. (U.S. AFRICOM photo by Petty Officer First Class Steve Owsley)

Approximately 120 civilian and military representatives from five African nations and the United States came together in Elmina, Ghana on February 6, 2012 for a weeklong exercise to assess the current capability of the Ghanaian government to respond to a potential pandemic outbreak of influenza.

The Republic of Ghana National Government Pandemic Disaster Response Tabletop Exercise is hosted by the Ghanaian Government, organized by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and supported by the Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Medicine (CDHAM). The table top exercise will assist the Ghanaian government in assessing their pandemic influenza preparedness and also identify and validate how the Ghanaian military can work with civilian organizations to assist in the government’s pandemic response plan.

Special Assistant to the Commander of U.S. Africa Command, Brigadier General Stayce Harris, spoke of the importance and history of this year’s pandemic response tabletop exercise when she said, « Let us not forget, that the 2009 H1N1 outbreak highlighted the critical importance of a holistic approach required of governments, civil society and the military to mitigate the effects of a complex humanitarian emergency like a severe pandemic outbreak, hence, the purpose of this exercise this week. »

In the 20th century, influenza developed into a killer pandemic three times and was responsible for millions of deaths.

Harris reiterated U.S. Africa Command and the U.S. government’s dedication to helping African partner nations build pandemic response capability.

She stated, « As noted by Africa Command’s Deputy Commander for Civil-Mil Activities, at our program introduction conference in 2009, ‘Dealing with a pandemic, from planning to post operation phases, is a high priority for the United States Government.’ Consequently, one of Africa Command’s strategic objectives is ‘assisting partner nations with protecting populations from deadly contagions.' »

U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Donald G. Teitelbaum, cited his experience in countries experiencing disasters when he said, « Disasters never come alone. When a disaster strikes you can’t count on the things that you normally count on. Traffic could be snarled, cell phone circuits can be jammed. When a disaster strikes we still find ourselves sometimes getting bogged down by bureaucracy. »

Teitelbaum went on to say, « It’s important to realize what other organizations are capable of doing and what your organization is good at and what things your organization isn’t good at.

He closed his address by saying, « Please meet each other and communicate. Think hard about who isn’t here and what they have to offer. »

Ebenezer Kofi Portuphy, national coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), has been involved with the Pandemic Influenza Program since its inception in 2009. « Before then (the start of the Pandemic Influenza Program), as a country we were struck by Avian Influenza, A1 virus. So we had a program for response, which had quite a number of challenges and setbacks. »

Implementing the plan highlighted what did and didn’t work when dealing with a pandemic and served as the starting point for the H1N1 pandemic, which hit in 2009. « We had to adopt the response we had for A1 for H1N1 and in the course of that adaptation, our teams were ready and the ministry of health, which is a parent ministry had its programs set with terms of health care and health delivery, » said Portuphy.

The plan that evolved from the 2009 outbreak has shaped the current Pandemic Influenza Response Plan that is being stress tested this week in Elmina.

The five session tabletop exercise was closely monitored with the Ghanaian government. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) reviewed the overall concept for the tabletop exercise scenario, which began February 7.

This tabletop exercise is part of a series of engagements organized and facilitated by U.S. AFRICOM through its Pandemic Response Program (PRP) to assist African militaries in improving their capacity to support the response of their civil governments to a pandemic influenza outbreak or similar disaster.

PRP is funded by USAID as part of its umbrella program Humanitarian Pandemic Preparedness Initiative. Implemented by the U.S. military, PRP is structured like a traditional USAID project with a focus on long-term sustainable results and focuses on the whole of government approach.

PRP’s objectives are to train senior and mid-level military leaders, government agencies and international aide organizations in cooperative disaster management and humanitarian assistance situations with a particular focus on pandemic preparedness. It aims to ensure military, government agencies and aid organizations in participating « pandemic preparedness » nations have developed detailed plans of action directly supporting national plans and to conduct exercises to test the implementation of these plans and identify deficiencies.

By Petty Officer First Class Steve Owsley
U.S. AFRICOM Public Affairs

 

France-Djibouti : les FFDj accueillent des officiers élèves

Source: EMA France

Crédits : EMA / armée de Terre
AMX 10 RC

Du 13 au 28 janvier 2012, dans le cadre d’un partenariat de formation, les Forces françaises stationnées à Djibouti (FFDj) ont accueilli près de 90 officiers élèves du cours d’application des écoles d’infanterie et une trentaine d’élèves officiers de cavalerie.

Cette formation de deux semaines est une période importante dans le cursus de formation de ces jeunes officiers.
Le 5e régiment interarmées d’Outre-mer (RIAOM) a mis à disposition ses AMX 10 RC et ses véhicule de l’avant-blindé (VAB), les hélicoptères Puma et Gazelle du détachement de l’aviation légère de l’armée de Terre (DETALAT), des troupes de manœuvre et des instructeurs.
L’ensemble des officiers élèves ont d’abord effectué un stage à l’école du désert.
Créée en 1998, l’école du désert a pour but de faire acquérir aux stagiaires des savoir-faire tactiques et techniques adaptés au combat en zone désertique.
Ce stage a été suivi par une instruction de spécialisation :
– les officiers d’infanterie se sont rendus au centre d’entraînement au combat et d’aguerrissement de Djibouti (CECAD) où ils ont enchaîné parcours nautique, séances de tir et exercices de combat.
– les officiers de cavalerie ont quant à eux pu exploiter au maximum les possibilités de manœuvre offertes par les terrains d’entrainement des FFDj lors d’un exercice du niveau sous-groupement tactique interarmes (SGTIA) à dominante blindé.
Les FFDj accueillent tout au long de l’année des unités des trois armées qui viennent chercher à Djibouti des conditions d’entraînement difficiles qui rappellent les exigences professionnelles des engagements actuels de l’armée française.