DOHA, Qatar - Female personnel from the United States and Qatar concluded a two-week subject matter expert exchange focusing on personal security detail strategies, Aug. 9-20, 2015.
Today's closing ceremony attended by the United States Ambassador to Qatar, Dana Shell Smith, Assistant Commanding General for Special Operations Command Central, Brig. Gen. Christopher Burns, as well as the Commander of the VIP Protection Department, Qatari Internal Security Forces marked the achievements of the bilateral exchange. Only the second of its kind in the host nation of Qatar, the exchange brought together over 30 personnel from the United States military and the Qatari Internal Security Forces.
The two-week engagement concentrated on marksmanship, medical preparedness, and VIP protection. Making note that this exchange took place during some of Qatar's hottest days, Smith directed her remarks to the participants, stating "This was no easy feat. But women are formidable, and you are proof of that."
This engagement supports Special Operations Command Central's ability to enable and support the goals and objectives of USCENTCOM. Female partner force engagement team subject matter expert exchanges expand levels of cooperation, while enhancing mutual capabilities, and interoperability between the United States and its international partners.
Smith reminded the attendees of the importance of, not only this engagement, but others like it, when she remarked, "new relationships have developed between individuals, between units, and between our nations. We are partners. Our continued commitment to one another is no exaggeration."