From Senegal to Sierra Leone, 2SFAB Supports African Partners

Photo By PHILIP REGINA | Pictured left to right, 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2SFAB) Maneuver Advisory Team 2221 (MAT 2221) advisors, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Larry Farless, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jerry Chen and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ian Nogle, demonstrate room clearing techniques to Forces armées du Sénégal (Armed Forces of Senegal) soldiers in Senegal, October 23, 2023. MAT 2221 advisors are a key component of 2 SFAB, an elite element of the U.S. Army tailored for foreign advisory roles. Focused on augmenting the combat effectiveness of African partner forces, MATs are essential in transmitting advanced infantry tactics, techniques, and procedures. Through a collaborative approach of training, advising, and assistance, MATs are instrumental in elevating the tactical proficiency and combat readiness of partner military units. This effort aligns with the strategic U.S. objective of supporting sustainable stability and bolstering security capabilities within the African region. (U.S. Army photo by 2SFAB)  

DAKAR, SENEGAL

03.11.2024

Story by PHILIP REGINA 

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — The 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade's (2SFAB) Maneuver Advisor Team 2221 (MAT 2221) is nearing completion of their deployment to Africa. This landmark mission brought MAT 2221 from Senegal to Sierra Leone, and marks a significant advancement in the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa's (SETAF-AF) mission to bolster partner capacities across the continent.

Under the leadership of U.S. Army Capt. Kim Yosero, MAT 2221 has been instrumental in advising on small unit infantry tactics, marksmanship, and critical site and asset security. The team's efforts have focused on elevating the tactical proficiency and operational capabilities of host nation forces, contributing to the overall goal of fostering stability and security in the region.

“In Senegal, our team advised the Forces armées du Sénégal (Armed Forces of Senegal) or SAF, on their shift in focus towards regional security,” said Yosero. “Senegal serves as a cornerstone of democratic governance in West Africa and focusing on border security not only safeguards regional stability but also sets a benchmark for neighboring countries to follow.”

“The mission’s scope exceeded the outlined training objectives; the relationship reaffirmed the strong defense and security partnership between Senegal and the United States. We [MAT 2221] forged a strategic nexus with the SAF to further enhance regional security and foster cooperation,” Yosero added.

In Sierra Leone, MAT 2221 continued to provide advisory support to the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).

“The predominant theme echoed throughout this training was professionalism and discipline through action,” states Sgt. 1st Class Travis Carver, MAT 2221 advisor.

MAT 2221’s tenure in Sierra Leone was dedicated towards base defense training, with an intense focus on perimeter patrol, critical site, and asset security, as well as entry, access control point operations. The training culminated in the execution of the base defense exercise. This exercise was designed to apply the doctrinal knowledge into application. Setting conditions for RSLAF to merge experience and context with the classroom knowledge.

"The RSLAF performed exceptionally well in the accelerated program of instruction we provided. We adopted an adaptive training model that forced application of the doctrinal knowledge through progressive practical exercises," said Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Soltwedel, MAT 2221 advisor, highlighting the significance of the team's work in enhancing partner force competencies.

The collaboration between SETAF-AF, SFAB advisors, and African military forces underscores a shared commitment to regional stability.

"The partnership we have established with our African counterparts transcends tactical training; it is a multifaceted relationship rooted in a mutual commitment towards enhancing security cooperation. This broader regional impact fosters promoting peace and stability" added Yosero, underscoring the strategic importance of these partnerships.

As MAT 2221 prepares to return home, their efforts in Senegal and Sierra Leone serve as a testament to the effectiveness of the SFAB's mission in Africa. The training and advisement provided have laid the groundwork for continued growth and success of the forces they've worked alongside, promising a more secure future for the region.

About 2SFAB

The 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2SFAB), assigned to SETAF-AF specializes in providing security force assistance and advisory support to African partner nations. Tasked with enhancing the tactical proficiency, operational capabilities, and overall effectiveness of African military forces, 2SFAB plays a pivotal role in strengthening defense partnerships across the continent. Through a comprehensive approach that includes training in small unit tactics, marksmanship, leadership development, and more, the 2SFAB contributes significantly to the regional stability and security objectives of the United States and its African partners. This commitment to fostering enduring relationships and mutual understanding underscores the 2SFAB's dedication to a secure, stable, and prosperous Africa.

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe & Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe.

For more information on other SETAF-AF events, please visit www.setaf-africa.army.mil.

• Date Taken: 03.11.2024
• Date Posted: 03.14.2024 06:25
• Story ID: 465859
• Location: DAKAR, SN