Photo By Capt. Mark Lazane | Armed Forces of Liberia soldiers participate in a combat engineering demonstration...... read more read more
MONROVIA, Liberia — The bridge exploded into flames, sending curious onlookers scattering for cover. One group of people, rather than running from the blast, sprang into action, quickly establishing a security perimeter and conducting equipment checks, establishing a way for necessary equipment to be pulled across the ravine to ensure water filtration continued to occur in support of combat operations.
Other soldiers took to their hands and knees, inching their way forward in the low crawl position in search of potentially deadly landmines or unexploded ordnances scattered across the contingency base.
If it wasn’t for the bright blue mock service weapons, the soldiers involved could have passed for hardened combat troops reacting to a potential catastrophic incident.
Instead, the activities were the culminating event for approximately 40 Armed Forces of Liberia sapper students, proudly displaying their multi-faceted skill sets prior to a formal graduation ceremony near Camp Tubman Military Base, Liberia, Feb. 3.
The students used the graduation ceremony to display their learned expertise to gathered military officials, including Brig. Gen. John Kwasie, United Nations Mission in Liberia deputy force commander, as well as curious local citizens and media representatives.
Graduates learned several different aspects of combat engineering, including mine detection, perimeter security, water filtration operations and several other skills to enable them to assist the AFL in conducting operations.
“Right now, the training we are receiving is a huge capacity building for the soldiers,” said AFL 1st Lt. Glee Dada, 1st Sapper Platoon leader, 1st Engineer Company. “I think this training has been something of an eye opener. Like every other Army, you cannot fight a war without engineers. It is an age old custom. This training helps us to be able to effectively support the infantry in peacekeeping operations. It also helps out the citizens of Liberia by giving them the knowledge that we are trained to help clean up some of the areas in this country after so many years of war.”
Dada is not typical of many soldiers within the AFL, as he had a successful career in the private sector after graduating college with a degree in Construction Engineering. He decided however, that he needed to do more to help his country.
“I used to work for a local construction company as a sight engineer after concluding my education,” said Dada. “But I felt I could contribute more to my country being an engineer in the military. I had the motivation, I wanted the leadership opportunity. I knew I had to enlist. This class gave me a better understanding of how combat engineering works and how we can use it to support the AFL.”
Representatives of UNMIL are responsible for building the capacity of the AFL engineer units. They provide cadre and expertise for the AFL soldiers throughout the various engineering courses.
“It is indeed a great pleasure for me to be a part of these ceremonies today,” said Kwasie. “It is a fact that this day remains as an important day in the marriage between AFL and UNMIL. I remember when I was here for day one of the course. I asked them so many questions; I thought they might even give up. But they have done a good job and today I am glad we are able to mark their wonderful achievement.”
Though beneficial, the graduation serves as just a highlighted portion in the careers of the members of the Sapper Platoon instead of the end of the book, said one AFL soldier.
“This type of training is a never-ending process,” said Pfc. Rishino Samuels, the 1st Sapper Platoon sergeant who has been in the AFL for four years. “Training like this is essential. We are the supporting arm of the AFL. We have to be able to help them at all times so they can do their missions.”
Kwasie concluded the event with words of wisdom and encouragement for the soldiers.
“Today, I want to express my appreciation for the AFL engineers, Kwasie told the gathered crowd at the graduation ceremony. “When I see your zeal and enthusiasm, I know you can help build the AFL of the future. Today’s presentation is an example of the outstanding potential you have. Please don’t give up, so that together you can help your fellow Liberians. It is UNMIL’s wish and prayer that Liberia will stand on their feet and take their rightful place among the Africa of the future. You all should know that there is no end to what you started, continue to learn and to succeed. Good job.”
| Date Taken: | 02.14.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.14.2012 12:31 |
| Story ID: | 83829 |
| Location: | MONROVIA, LR |
| Web Views: | 214 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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