Photo By Staff Sgt. Amber Litteral | A member of the Sierra Leone Forces Reconnaissance Unit surveys his surroundings...... read more read more
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Soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 91st Civil Affairs Battalion recently completed a four-week Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) with Sierra Leone’s Forces Reconnaissance Unit (FRU) and State Protection Service (SPS) in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The exercise aimed to enhance operational effectiveness and reinforce the growing security partnership between the United States and Sierra Leone.
JCETs are designed to improve military skills by training alongside partner forces, fostering knowledge exchange, and building long-term interoperability. This iteration focused on civil affairs operations, including civil reconnaissance, civil engagement, governance, area studies, mission planning, reporting, leadership development, and troop-leading procedures. The training also featured Tactical Combat Casualty Care, during which all participating soldiers earned the “Stop the Bleed” certification from the American College of Surgeons.
“The training provided a broad range of civil affairs instruction, from governance and area studies to mission planning and reporting,” said the 91st Civil Affairs Battalion team lead. “The culminating three-day field exercise tested everything in a dynamic environment and proved the professionalism of all involved.”
The culminating exercise was supported by U.S. Embassy Marine Security Guards, who served as role players to add realism and complexity. Their involvement challenged participants to apply newly acquired skills under pressure. Deputy Chief of Mission Jared M. Yancey of the U.S. Embassy in Freetown emphasized the broader significance of the event.
“This training highlights the strong and enduring friendship between the United States and Sierra Leone and strengthens our bilateral partnership built on shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to professional development,” Yancey said. “By training together, our forces develop the ability to operate cohesively in joint missions, enhance interoperability, and build mutual trust.”
Yancey added that the impact of the JCET extends well beyond the four weeks of instruction.
“The relationships formed during this training create enduring bonds between our nations,” Yancey said. “Together, we are building a partnership that not only makes the region more secure for both the United States and Sierra Leone but also reinforces the bonds of friendship between our countries.”
Through practical training, knowledge sharing, and a focus on professional growth, the JCET showcased the expertise of Sierra Leone’s FRU and SPS while advancing shared goals of regional stability and long-term security.
| Date Taken: | 10.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.07.2025 05:25 |
| Story ID: | 549893 |
| Location: | SL |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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