Training safely together

Photo By Sgt. Kyle Fisch | Cameroon Defense Force personnel practice safe loading and unloading of casualties on a rotary aircraft, with guidance from U.S. forces, during Central Accord 14 at the 102 Air Force Base Airfield in Douala, Cameroon, March 12. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kyle Fisch/Released)  

DOUALA, CAMEROON

03.12.2014

Story by Sgt. Kyle Fisch 

14th Public Affairs Detachment

DOUALA, Cameroon – Some Cameroon Defense Force soldiers showcased what their newfound take charge skills could offer with little guidance from U.S. forces as they taught and led fellow soldiers at a training exercise in central Africa.

Central Accord is an annual exercise bringing together U.S. armed forces personnel with counterparts from militaries in central Africa to promote working relations between forces. Central Accord 14 focus is to conduct tactical and sustainment operations familiarization for a more secure Africa.

"Our intent today was to do some safety classes for loading and unloading rotary wing helicopters," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 James Wylie, A Company, 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, instructor pilot.

Classes on many different subjects are being taught to the Cameroon Defense Forces by U.S. Military personnel, in order to foster professionalism and proficiency in the varying topics, one of which was pertaining to emergency medical evacuation procedures.

Their crew chief and soldiers were trained on rotary wing safety, specifically approaching the helicopter with a casualty.

"We have trained their crew chief to go outside and order the soldiers to bring the casualty safely inside of the aircraft while maintaining control of what was going on outside of the aircraft." said Staff Sgt. Marie-Claire Glidden, 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, medical crew member. "They did very well."

The U.S. is working in concert with the host nation and partner nations in order to conduct familiarization in peacekeeping operations, humanitarian disaster response and combating terrorism for a stable and secure Africa.

• Date Taken: 03.12.2014
• Date Posted: 03.27.2014 15:27
• Story ID: 122827
• Location: DOUALA, CM