Photo By Tatum Vayavananda | After a demonstration for distinguished visitors, U.S. Marines celebrate with Gambian...... read more read more
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THÍES, Senegal – Today’s military of the world are tasked with much more than combat missions. Forces must be able to quickly react to natural disasters or crisis response situations to provide support and uphold peace.
In order to prepare for such events, U.S. Marines and military members of four other West African nations participated in a combined training exercise, Western Accord 2012, which paused briefly to conduct an orchestrated demonstration for distinguished guests.
The multi-national infantries demonstrated training tactics which included convoy operations, demolitions, vehicle check points, riot control training, and urban warfare techniques.
The troops arrived in a convoy of trucks and disembarked to provide a perimeter of protection as the vehicles moved towards the role players guarding entrance to their village.
After a simulated argument, the troops passed peacefully and then worked side-by-side to clear the buildings of imminent threats using urban combat entry tactics.
A large boom and fire ball appeared in the distance as demolition teams detonated a simulated mine.
“The blasting technique they are learning will prepare these forces to clear mines that they might uncover in a real-world mission,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Armas, the Commanding Officer of 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, based in Cleveland, Ohio.
Later, the special guests moved to the center of base camp where nearly 1,300 multi-national forces stood waiting. The parade deck was a mixture of uniforms; desert tan and woodland green camouflage patterns, each unique as the culture and country they came from.
A vehicle check point stepped into action and demonstrated how to quickly setup barriers and conduct vehicle searches. Then energetic, rock-throwing mob intensified the scenario, but was soon quelled by a riot control team, armed with batons and shields.
At the end of the demonstration, there were cheers and applause which quickly changed to rhythmic beats as the multi-national platoons began to sing and dance. The Gambians were tapping the sides of their rifles and clacking their metal ammunition magazines to produce heavy rhythm beats.
They sang songs in their native Wolof language and the Marines joined in the impromptu fun and celebration. The spirit and energy of the forces coming together exemplified the bonds that were built during the training.
After the dance was over, the key military leaders and dignitaries exchanged gifts.
Col. Douglas Fairfeld, Chief of Staff, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa said, “This is the very first Western Accord exercise and it has been an absolute success not only because of the great support we had from Senegal but also from the great energy and enthusiasm from the multi-national forces.
“This was a great first step to bring the multi-national forces together and enhance their peacekeeping capabilities,”said Admiral Ousmane Ibrahima Sall, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces for Senegal.
Exercise Western Accord 2012 is a multi-lateral training exercise with West African nations to increase understanding and interoperability, prevent conflict by enabling Africans to provide for their security and stability, strengthen relationships with partner nations, and promote and support U.S. national security priorities.
The training will continue until July 24 at which point the U.S. and African troops will re-deploy back to their home countries. The West African military forces participating in the exercise are Senegal, Gambia, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
| Date Taken: | 07.13.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 07.18.2012 10:14 |
| Story ID: | 91741 |
| Location: | THIES, SN |
| Web Views: | 153 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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