Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Conducts Peace Operations Course in Kenya

Photo By Master Sgt. Stan Parker | Kenyan air force Capt. Juliet Maithya listens to the key note speech during a graduation ceremony for 32 military officers from nine East African countries from the Peace Operations Staff Course conducted by CJTF-HOA at the International Peace Support Training Center, on Feb. 20, in Karen, Kenya. The mission of CJFT-HOA is to conduct unified action with local military forces and governments in Eastern Africa to prevent conflict, promote regional stability, and build regional security capacity.  

KAREN, KENYA

02.20.2009

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

KAREN, Kenya - Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa's commander, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Anthony M. Kurta, and his deputy commander, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Chris Leins, spent part of this week at the International Peace Support Training Centre. They were on hand to observe the graduation of 32 military officers from nine East African countries from the Peace Operations Staff Course conducted by CJTF-HOA.

CJTF-HOA's successes are based on relationships built by forging strong diplomatic ties with key international partners, and Kurta and Leins demonstrated their intention to continue the tradition during the visit.

Kurta and Leins used the day to make several high-level office calls with British army Col. Andy Mason, commander of the British Peace Support Team, Mr. Simon Mulongo, director of the Eastern African Standby Brigade and IPSTC Commandant Lt. Col. M.K. Kombo of the Kenyan navy.

Following the briefings, Kurta and Leins were on hand to help IPSTC mark a milestone, as the institution graduated military officers from nine East African countries. The 32 students attended three weeks of the Peace Operations Staff Course and met the requirements of their CJTF-HOA mentors.

IPSTC is a dynamic, evolving organization focused on supporting continental and regional stability through training and educational support to the African Union, EASBRIG and all the countries of Africa. It continues to train military, police and civilian personnel in all aspects of Peace Support Operations to help improve the effectiveness of the international response to complex emergencies.

The Peace Support Training Center was established in January of 2001 as part of the Kenyan Defense Staff College. Initially, PSTC conducted UN PSO Courses for Kenyan personnel but as it has evolved, PSTC opened its facilities and training to regional, continental and international students.

In July of 2006, PSTC became a separate Kenyan Defense establishment. In the fall of 2007, PSTC began the first steps to develop a strategic plan, and consequently changed its name to the International Peace Support Training Centre.

CJTF-HOA became part of U.S. Africa Command in October of 2008, with a focus on building regional security capacity and relationships. This integration began the transition of Camp Lemonier from an expeditionary base to an enduring location to support U.S. Africa Command's long-term commitment to African stability.

Since 2002, CJTF-HOA personnel have used military to military mentorship as the cornerstone to building regional security. CJTF-HOA has supported development by building and refurbishing schools, clinics and hospitals. It has also conducted dozens of medical and veterinary civil action projects, all of which have a direct positive impact on local population and their perceptions of U.S. military cooperation.

• Date Taken: 02.20.2009
• Date Posted: 02.27.2009 11:24
• Story ID: 30533
• Location: KAREN, KE