Strength through cooperation: Marines train with Senegalese

Courtesy Photo | A Gendarmerie Nationale Senegalaise soldier practices the sitting position while aiming his weapon during a training exercise near Dakar, Senegal, Aug. 23, 2016. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa trained with the Senegalese Gendarmerie during a partner-nation exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo/released)  

DAKAR, SENEGAL

09.27.2016

Story by Cpl. Alexander Mitchell 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

DAKAR, Senegal (Sept. 8, 2016) – Senegalese forces and U.S. Marines teamed up to share techniques furthering efforts to combat illicit trafficking in the region near Dakar, Senegal, Aug. 15 – Sept. 6, 2016.

By collaborating through training, both countries can learn from each other and enhance their ability to combat illegal activity. Often, money generated through drug trafficking and other forms of illicit activity is used to fund terrorist organizations, making this training even more vital.

“It is important for the Gendarmerie and the United States to work together and learn from one another,” said Gendarme Abdoulaye Ngom, a soldier with the Senegalese Gendarmerie. “The United States Marines Corps has been fighting terrorism for more than a decade. Terrorism is a new threat to Senegal, and the training provided by the Marines will help to advance our skills to provide security.”

Establishing entry control points, checking vehicles and searching personnel were points of focus during the exercise.

“Some of the tools that we have learned so far in the training can help make our search procedures and checkpoints much more advanced,” said Ngom. “With these tools and techniques, the searches will be more thorough and the chances of overlooking illicit materials will decrease.”

Strong partnerships are vital in the effort to enhance regional security. These types of training exercises foster strong relationships, which are so crucial to increased security for both nations.

“By training and working with our Senegalese partners we are better prepared to address future security concerns together,” said 1st Lt. Connor Smithson, a TSC Team commander with SPMAGTF-CR-AF.

• Date Taken: 09.27.2016
• Date Posted: 09.27.2016 09:25
• Story ID: 210693
• Location: DAKAR, SN