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By the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Public Affairs Office
DJIBOUTI - The 9th Provisional Security Force took on the French Forces of Djibouti at their own game at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Jan. 15.
The all-reservist unit, who currently serve as the first line of defense for American service members at the former French base, hosted the FFDJ in a fast-paced, physical game of rugby.
This was the second meeting between the two teams, and the Marines were not intimidated by their opponents' much higher level of experience in the game, playing hard all game long despite losing 49-12.
"The Marines are very tough, very physical," said French Foreign Legion Maj. Sebastian Donneau, who has played rugby for 20 years. "They get better each time we play them. And this is not an easy game. The action is constant; there is more running than in football."
Team coach Marine Sgt. Maj. James Martin, who played alongside his fellow Marines, was impressed by their efforts to prepare for the FFDJ, with twice-weekly practices for six weeks before the game.
"They're very enthusiastic," said Martin. "They got up at 6 a.m. to get the field ready, and they've been all smiles today, ready to play."
While this was only the second time many of the Marines had played the game, they said they were eager to give it a shot and enjoyed the experience.
"It's a great way to expend some energy," said Marine Cpl. Ryan Burtka, who played winger. "You get thrown around pretty good, but it's a lot of fun."
Fellow winger Marine Lance Cpl. Trent Tufte agreed, saying it's a great way to meet other Marines in the battalion.
"We've got officers, junior enlisted, non-commissioned officers; the whole smorgasbord," Tufte added. "And it's cool to find common ground with the French; if it wasn't for this, we'd probably never interact with them."
When the game was over, the French extended an offer to play 20 more minutes just for fun, and the PSF gladly accepted.
"To win or to lose is not important," said Donneau. "It's very interesting to share a common experience, to learn about a different way of life."
Martin said the game was an excellent way to form a relationship with service members from another country, especially since rugby is especially ingrained in French culture.
"At the grassroots level, there's really no difference between us and them. They're here doing the same thing we are," Martin said. "I'm originally from England myself, so really, it makes perfect sense for me to take on the French in a game of rugby anyway."
In addition to three Sailors joining the Marine team, the audience reflected the joint effort of Combined Join Task Force Horn of Africa. Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines alike cheered wildly for each play made by the PSF. And they said they were impressed with how passionately their fellow service members represented them on the field.
"You can break bones in this game!" shouted Navy Yeoman Seaman Ashley Henderson, who was watching her first rugby game. "This game is hardcore. They aren't playing around out there."
Martin said the PSF plans to play the FFDJ again each month until their unit is relieved and redeploys to the United States.
| Date Taken: | 01.17.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.17.2009 03:21 |
| Story ID: | 28949 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 384 |
| Downloads: | 351 |
This work, International incident breaks out in Djibouti, by Dustin Q. Diaz, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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