Photo By Spc. Dustin B. Smith | Joint Utah Army National Guard and Moroccan forces pose for a group photo following...... read more read more
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Army National Guard Soldiers from the 85th Weapons of Mass Destruction — Civil Support Team (CST) joined together with Moroccan forces to participate in training and celebrate culture, April 8-12, 2024. Instructors administered Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) training, and those participating worked with live materials.
The 85th CST gave training to Moroccan Forces as part of the State Partnership Program (SPP). The Utah National Guard has participated in the SPP since 2003. According to Nationalguard.mil, the SPP supports the security cooperation objectives of the United States and Geographic Combatant Commands by developing enduring relationships with partner countries and carrying out activities to build partner capacity, improve interoperability, and enhance U.S. relations, while increasing the readiness of the U.S. and partner forces to meet emerging challenges.
Warrant Officer Zachary Martin commented on the importance of this training for the SPP. “The main purpose for this training is to work with our state partnership, and provide them some radiation training. Specifically with equipment, building confidence and their ability to utilize the equipment in their own country,” said Martin.
Sgt. 1st Class Kristopher Peterson has been demonstrating CBRN training for 6 years. “Every year I learn a bit more”, said Peterson. “We teach firefighters, we’ve taught FBI, we’ve taught bomb squads, and other CST’s. We teach our state partnership, and everytime I learn a little bit more,” he added.
The training, which was specifically focused on radiation, entailed how to safely shield yourself in the event of a radiological attack, as well as how to care for those who have been contaminated by hazardous materials.
Sgt. Cierra Frandsen administered some of the field training. “One of our biggest goals when we do these external trainings with different forces is just expanding their basic awareness of not only the threat itself, but of the equipment that is available to them,” said Frandsen.
During the field training, Moroccan Forces got some real world experience. “We were able to get some live radiation sources and teach them about the equipment, and have them actually interact with the sources and the equipment,” said Lt. Col. Robert Dent, Commander of the 85th CST.
Dent mentioned that although they have met with Moroccan forces before as part of the SPP, this was the first time the CST has hosted them for specific training.
Aside from training, Guardsmen and Moroccan forces also shared cultural experiences. On Wednesday, April 10th, they were able to visit significant areas in Utah.
“We took them to Park City and they were able to do some shopping and ride on a tram at the ski resort,” said Dent, “We also visited the Olympic park and discussed some Utah history and background. It was a very meaningful day to this delegation.”
The training happened during an important week for Moroccan Forces, as they celebrated Eid al-Fitr on Tuesday, April 9th.
According to Britannica.com, “Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, and is celebrated during the first three days of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.” Like many holidays in the United States, those celebrating often greet each other, host parties, and prepare special foods.
Utah Guardsmen were able to celebrate this special holiday with Moroccan forces. “We were extremely fortunate to break their Ramadan fast on Tuesday,” said Dent, noting that the event was “very special.”
Moroccan Forces ate a traditional Moroccan meal with members of the 85th CST and shared foods such as kebabs, dates and chebakia- a pastry made with honey and sesame seeds.
With field training and shared cultural experiences, this was surely a week that the 85th CST and Moroccan Forces alike will remember.
| Date Taken: | 04.11.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 05.15.2024 09:36 |
| Story ID: | 470360 |
| Location: | SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, US |
| Hometown: | SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, US |
| Web Views: | 106 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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