Marine Forces Africa leadership visit SPMAGTF-12

Photo By Cpl. Jad Sleiman | Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, Marine Forces Africa sergeant major, speaks to a group of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 12 Marines and sailors Oct. 29. SPMAGTF-12 is a newly formed unit charged with conducting training partnerships with African militaries dealing with regional terror threats.  

NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, ITALY

11.03.2011

Story by Cpl. Jad Sleiman 

Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES)

NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Sicily - Marine Forces Africa’s deputy commanding general and sergeant major recently paid a visit to the Marines and sailors of a newly formed unit charged with conducting training partnerships with African militaries dealing with regional terror threats.

Brigadier Gen. Charles G. Chiarotti and Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green toured the Sicily-based Marines’ work areas and sat down to lunch with a half dozen junior Marines and non-commissioned officers Oct. 29.

Both men stressed the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force 12 Marines’ role as “ambassadors” for the United States and their responsibility as trail blazers on the continent for future Marine missions.

“We win hearts, we win minds and we do that by sheer presence and the professionalism we bring to the fight,” Chiarotti told the Marines.

Green echoed the deputy commanders sentiments when he spoke with the Marines.

“Don’t just stay on base. Don’t just chase the night life,” he said, adding that he hoped the Marines would have a chance to get involved in the local community through volunteer work.

The leaders explained that small-unit leadership was uniquely effective in Marine units. It’s a trait the men said they expected the Marines to pass on to their African military counterparts.

“Show them what being a Marine NCO is all about,” said Chiarotti as he shared a meal with the junior members of the unit.

About 120 Marines and sailors make up SPMAGTF-12. One team is already at work in Africa and others are preparing to go. The task force will continue to send small teams to the continent throughout the coming months.

“You’re going to write history for Africa,” said Green.

• Date Taken: 11.03.2011
• Date Posted: 11.04.2011 07:58
• Story ID: 79552
• Location: NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, IT