US Forces prepare Burundi National Defense Force for upcoming deployment

Photo By Sgt. Shawn Valosin | Staff Sergeant Gabriel Schaller discusses countering-improvised explosive devices techniques with soldiers from the Burundi National Defense Force (BNDF) in Bujumbura, Burundi, Nov. 6, 2014. Schaller is an explosive ordnance disposal technician with SPMAGTF-Crisis Response-Africa, training alongside the BNDF, teaching basic infantry tactics, engineering, logistical support, C-IED, lifesaving techniques and convoy operations to prepare them for an upcoming deployment in support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Knowing what signs to look for and common places for hiding IEDs can save lives, especially in Somalia, where extremist regimes use them. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Shawn Valosin)  

BUJUMBURA, BURUNDI

11.26.2014

Story by Cpl. Shawn Valosin 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

BUJUMBURA, Burundi - U.S. Marines are training with the Burundi National Defense Force to prepare them for their deployment in support of African Union Mission in Somalia.

“We’ve been conducting bilateral training with the Burundian National Defense Forces, trying to prep them for AMISOM and their future deployments,” said Cpl. Ryan Novak, a Newark, Del., native. “This upcoming week, I will be the combat marksmanship coach on the rifle range for the BNDF, and will cover fundamentals of how to shoot, where to shoot from and the different positions.”

This joint training engagement refines and improves the BNDF’s overall knowledge of basic infantry tactics, engineering, logistical support, countering-improvised explosive devices, lifesaving techniques and convoy operations.

The refinement of these skills is important to the BNDF and helps bolster their overall military capacity and technical skills sustainment, all while strengthening the relationship between the Marines and BNDF.

“The most significant threat we face in Somalia is the Improvised Explosive Device,” said an officer within the BNDF. “All of my soldiers must understand how to identify and deal with this threat. We appreciate the quality of instruction provided by the Marines during this portion of their program of instruction.”

Recently, the Marines completed the countering-improvised explosives portion of the training where BNDF soldiers split into multiple groups and rotated through stations, allowing them to practice the techniques they learned earlier in a classroom setting.

Between the different stations, topics covered were proper dispersion while patrolling, proper positioning if the enemy is shooting at you, spotting possible IED locations and combat lifesaving techniques.

Sergeant Harry Cox III, the primary instructor for the communications and land navigation package, also sees the benefit of the engagement.

“I believe the training that we are giving the BNDF will help tremendously in their AMISOM mission,” said Cox, a Pittsburgh, Pa., native. “The willingness to learn and eagerness to train [the BNDF soldiers’ display] has been above and beyond.”

AMISOM began in January 2007 as an active, regional peacekeeping mission operated by the African Union with the approval of the United Nations.

The team of Marines and Sailors conducting training with the BNDF are from SPMAGTF-Crisis Response-Africa, stationed at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. The Marines and Sailors conduct theater security cooperation engagements with partner nations in Africa—these training engagements help strengthen U.S. Africa Command’s ability to help African states address their regional security challenges.

This training engagement started in late October and slated to last through December. For the remainder of the training engagement, the Marines will work with the BNDF on radio communications, land navigation, marksmanship techniques and convoy maintenance and engineering.

• Date Taken: 11.26.2014
• Date Posted: 11.26.2014 13:41
• Story ID: 148935
• Location: BUJUMBURA, BI
• Hometown: NEWARK, DE, US
• Hometown: PITTSBURGH, PA, US