U.S. Marines partner with East African forces

SIGONELLA, ITALY

10.17.2014

Story by 1st Lt. Maida Zheng 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

SIGONELLA, Italy - U.S. Marines arrived in East Africa, October 14, to train Ugandan and Burundian forces, preparing them for future deployments.

The forces will practice basic infantry tactics, engineering, logistical support, countering improvised explosive devices, lifesaving techniques, and convoy operations throughout October and December. The U.S. force is from Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Africa based out of Naval Air Station Sigonella, in Sicily.

The Marines, while conducting a theater security cooperation engagement, are preparing their East African partners in support of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The AMISOM mission is an active, regional peacekeeping effort operated by the African Union under the approval of the United Nations. The principal aim of AMISOM is to provide support to the Federal Government of Somalia in order to stabilize the country and foster political dialogue and reconciliation amongst the people of Somalia.

By conducting partner military training, the Marines and Sailors of SPMAGTF - CR - AF will gain and share valuable teaching, training, and small unit experiences while working with the Burundi National Defence Force (BNDF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) partner militaries.

The theater security cooperation engagements SPMAGTF CR - AF conducts strengthens U.S. Africa Command’s ability to help African states address their regional security challenges.

• Date Taken: 10.17.2014
• Date Posted: 10.17.2014 13:39
• Story ID: 145356
• Location: SIGONELLA, IT