Djiboutians graduate from CJTF-HOA mil-to-mil training

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Regina L. Brown | Soldiers from the Regiment Inter-Army Obock perform a celebratory dance after graduating from over six weeks of combat skills training in Obock, Djibouti, Dec. 21. The soldiers were trained by Soldiers from Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry (Light) of the Guam National Guard who are stationed at Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.  

12.25.2007

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Regina L. Brown 

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Regina L. Brown
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Public Affairs

OBOCK, Djibouti – Djiboutian soldiers graduated from Anti-Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism Military to Military training, taught by Guam National Guard Soldiers currently stationed at Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, Dec. 18.

The Delta Company 1/294th Infantry (light) Soldiers, taught the 65 Djiboutian soldiers from the Regiment Inter-Army Obock, who provide security forces for the town of Obock.

The training, which consists of varied topics like traffic control points, convoy operations and close quarter combat, called for some long days of training.

"It was a motivated group, they were very willing to learn and work long hours," said Sgt. Dino Cruz, who taught guard force to the soldiers. "They never wanted to quit. It made the training so easy for us."

First Lt. Noel Espino, officer in charge for the training, observed how much of an impact the training had on the RIAO soldiers.

"During the training we see the progress they make, from having very little knowledge, to being able to respond appropriately to each situation," said Espino. "It makes me feel very proud that we are contributing to their growth and development."

A RIAO soldier concurred with Espino's sentiments.

"Before we were lost and didn't know how to fight or respond to the enemy, but today, after we have learned many things, we are really proud," said Sgt. Hussein Abdi Guelleh, with the Regiment Inter-Army Obock.

The graduating soldiers and Delta Company instructors welcomed Maj. Gen. Donald J. Goldhorn, adjutant general, Guam National Guard as a guest speaker for the graduation ceremony.

"Each and every Guam National Guard soldier has made significant contributions to the CJTF-HOA mission objective," said Goldhorn. "All of the soldiers here today are an important part of this success as well."

Brig. Gen. Osman Nour Soubagleh, Regiment Inter-Army Obock also attended the graduation ceremony and expressed his gratitude to the American Soldiers responsible for training the Djiboutian soldiers.

"I would like to thank you for your contributions in the stability of Djibouti and preventing conflict and fighting against terrorism," said Soubagleh. "I would like to add that we are very pleased to be your partner and are ready to fight against terrorism in our territory and beyond for the interest of coalition. Thank you for what you have done for Djibouti."

The graduation ceremony ended with a traditional celebratory dance performed by all of the Djiboutian graduates.

"The future of success is most dependent on the relationships we build with one another," said Goldhorn. "All of us who wear a uniform are not only soldiers; we are diplomats as well, diplomats of our respective countries."

• Date Taken: 12.25.2007
• Date Posted: 12.27.2007 09:20
• Story ID: 15021