FAST Marines support cooperative engagement with Lebanese Armed Forces

Courtesy Photo | Brig. Gen. Ronald Baczkowski, the deputy commanding general for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command, meets with members of the Lebanese Armed Forces, 1st Intervention Regiment, during a visit to the region, April 22. Baczkowski spoke to students of the LAF Fouad Shehab Staff and Command College, noting the benefits of cooperative engagements and information sharing to both Lebanese and American troops. Recently, Marines assigned to the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, U.S. Central Command, headed to Lebanon to conduct a subject-matter-expert exchange with approximately 30 LAF soldiers. The exchange was designed to enhance the LAF capability to internally staff and conduct similar programs. At the culmination of the events, LAF soldiers participated in live-fire exercises, displaying practical application of the knowledge and skills gained through the engagement. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo)  

BEIRUT, LEBANON

04.30.2010

Story by Cpl. Michael Stevens 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Central Command

BEIRUT - U.S. Marines assigned to the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team, U.S. Central Command, recently headed to Lebanon to participate in a familiarization and information-sharing engagement with soldiers in the Lebanese Armed Forces, 1st Intervention Regiment.

The cooperative engagement, coordinated by Marines from Marine Corps Forces Central Command, familiarized and refreshed marksmanship skills and tactics for operations in urban environments for approximately 30 LAF soldiers. The event was designed to enhance the LAF unit's capability to internally staff and conduct training programs.

"These cooperative engagements assist our partner nations in establishing and supporting comprehensive training programs within their organizations," said Lt. Col. Clarence Edmonds, a planner for the Lebanon engagement. "These engagements not only strengthen the armed forces of our partners, but also enhance our knowledge of the forces we may serve alongside in a coalition operation."

The FAST Marines brought expertise in an array of combat skills, honed during deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, to the training evolution. After providing subject matter expertise in urban terrain operations and combat marksmanship, the Marines observed the LAF soldiers in live-fire and practical application drills.

"The Lebanese soldiers had a strong foundation of knowledge going into this event and were very motivated to build on that foundation," said Edmonds.

Brig. Gen. Ronald Baczkowski, deputy commanding general, Marine Corps Forces Central Command, supported the engagement by heading to Lebanon where he met with LAF senior leaders and provided a presentation on joint operations to the LAF Fouad Shehab Staff and Command College. His presentation and the follow-on open forum discussion highlighted the benefits of information sharing and cooperative engagements for partner nations and Marine Corps forces.

"These cooperative engagements are key elements to the success in maintaining stability and in enhancing our ability to serve alongside partner nations," said Baczkowski. "I've seen the positive outcome of our cooperative efforts and am appreciative of the continued support and assistance of the Lebanese government and military as we strive to achieve our common goals."

• Date Taken: 04.30.2010
• Date Posted: 05.07.2010 03:09
• Story ID: 49270
• Location: BEIRUT, LB