2nd SFAB engineers advise, assist Ghanaian counterparts

Photo By PHILIP REGINA | 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade Engineer (2SFAB) Advisory Team 2511 (EAT 2511) advisor U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Hilario Pagoada leads training with junior sappers from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) 48th Engineer Regiment at Teshie Camp in Accra Ghana November 10, 2023. The 48th, as the only combat engineer regiment currently in the GAF, these soldiers are routinely asked to provide mobility and counter-mobility support utilizing demolition systems during United Nations peace keeping operations. 2SFAB, in partnership with SETAF-AF, is committed to enhancing the operational capabilities of African military forces. Through specialized training and advisory support, the 2SFAB supports U.S. Africa Command’s (AFRICOM) objectives to strengthen security cooperation, promote stability, and foster enduring partnerships across the African continent. (U.S. Army photo courtesy of 2SFAB)  

ACCRA, GHANA

03.15.2024

Story by PHILIP REGINA 

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

ACCRA, Ghana - U.S. Army Capt. Grant Whittington recently led a team of advisors that shared vital engineer skills with soldiers from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) during a six-month deployment.

Engineer Advisory Team 2511 (EAT 2511) from the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade worked alongside troops from the GAF Engineer Regiment to enhance their tactics, techniques and procedures.

"Our team was able to build a strong relationship through training side-by-side in the field as well as classroom instruction," said Whittington, team leader for EAT 2511. "The GAF soldiers were professional, eager to learn and truly helped increase our interoperability."

Areas of focus included mobility operations, survivability skills, counter-mobility and general engineering tasks. The hands-on partnership allowed U.S. advisors like U.S. Army Master Sgt. Jon Kim to impart knowledge while learning from their Ghanaian counterparts.

"The experience was mutually beneficial as we learned from each other's tactics," said Kim, EAT 2511 engineer advisor. "It strengthened our ability to effectively integrate as partner forces."

The deployment falls under the U.S. Southern European Task Force, Africa's (SETAF-AF) mission to build strong military partnerships across the continent through security force assistance. Working with key allies like Ghana helps contain transnational threats and promotes a secure environment for economic growth.

"These engagements demonstrate our continued commitment to Ghana and West African partners," Whittington said. "It allows us to enhance bilateral military proficiency while deepening ties between our nations."

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

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: 03.15.2024
• Date Posted: 04.03.2024 04:04
• Story ID: 466823
• Location: ACCRA, GH