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LUSAKA, Zambia – Zambian and U.S. soldiers stood together in a battalion formation as both nations’ national anthems were played to signal the beginning of Southern Accord 2015, held in Lusaka, Zambia, Aug. 3-14.
Southern Accord 2015 brings together the U.S. Army, Zambian Defense Force, Southern African Development Community and other partner nation participants for two weeks of command post and field training exercises.
U.S. Brig. Gen. Peter Corey, deputy commanding general U.S. Army Africa, Zambian Army Commander Lt. Gen. Paul Mihova and Zambian Deputy Minister of Defense Christopher Mulenga welcomed more than 850 service members from several countries including Angola, Botswana, Germany, Malawi, Namibia, the Netherlands, Tanzania and the United Kingdom.
Southern Accord 2015 builds stronger partnerships between participating nations leading to both an increased ability to work together and increasing their capacity to support peacekeeping operations, said Corey.
“The ultimate goal is increased cooperation between countries in the region and of course, across Africa,” said Mulenga.
Training focuses on scenarios based on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) where U.S.-trained Zambian Defense Force personnel are currently supporting peacekeeping operations.
Corey reminded all participants to work together and learn from each other during the exercise.
“Many of our African partners have a lot of experience with UN operations," said Corey. “This is about partnering.”
Exercise participants will use United Nations Security Resolution 2149 that initiated the MINUSCA to coordinate efforts during the exercise, said Capt. Scott Saunders, U.S. Army Africa exercises deputy.
Each country’s military has its own doctrine that presents a challenge when trying to work together as a single military staff.
“We all have our own methods for problem solving,” said Saunders. “We need to speak a common language and that’s where the UN doctrine comes in.”
Most of the Americans have very little experience with UN operations,” said Corey. “We are learning together.”
The command post exercise helps validate the ability of a combined staff from partner nations to exercise command and control of a joint, combined force during peacekeeping operations.
The field training exercise training permits combined companies of U.S. and Zambian personnel to train together in both combined arms tactics and peacekeeping operations.
“The element of realism in the practical aspect of this training will present challenges,” said Mulenga.
“I commend the governments of partner nations, the United States Embassy Zambia, the Zambian service chiefs, and all of you present here today for putting on this important event. It is now my honor and privilege to declare Southern Accord 15 officially open,” said Mulenga.
| Date Taken: | 08.05.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.13.2015 00:07 |
| Story ID: | 172399 |
| Location: | LUSAKA, ZM |
| Hometown: | VICENZA, IT |
| Hometown: | EL PASO, TX, US |
| Hometown: | LEAVENWORTH, KS, US |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Southern Accord 2015 begins, by MAJ Jason Welch, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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