January 2009
By Sgt. Elsa Portillo
ABOARD USS NASHVILLE (LPD-13) —
Marines with Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group (MCTAG) left aboard the USS Nashville (LPD-13) Thursday to begin their deployment to the West Coast of Africa in support of Africa Partnership Station 2009 (APS-09). This initiative creates an opportunity for the United States to partner with the host nation security forces and foster regional maritime safety and security. The host nations will receive a variety of training from Marines who came from a variety of units across the U.S. but mainly from 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. This diverse group of 28 Marines and two Corpsmen will teach skills tailored to the country’s expressed needs. The advisors will teach combat lifesaver skills, patrolling, Marine Corps Martial Arts, radio operations, and many other areas of expertise. This training is an opportunity for both the host nation and the MCTAG trainer advisors. “I think myself along with the Marines bring a variety of experience,” said Lance Cpl. John M. Allen, advisor, MCTAG. “We all have different seniority levels, jobs and ability groups but it all groups together and brings a collaborative effort to the team. The different levels of experience can help us with our weaknesses and give us strength to accomplish our mission.” This mission is not just the training of a few countries but it is an effort to strengthen partnerships and prevent future conflicts. The Marines understand the effect they may have and are excited to be a part of the unique experience.
“I think it’s a way for us to build camaraderie with different services other than the U.S. services,” said Sgt. Alvin F. McLean, advisor, MCTAG. “I think it’s more like a handshake between the countries. I’m very excited. I’ve been in the Marine Corps 14 years and to have this opportunity where I can be in the fight, go on ship for the first time, and go across the ocean and help people is great.” This deployment is a win-win situation for the Marines because they have the chance to help others and also see the world. “I think a lot of these countries are places that I would never go to on my own, and one of the reasons that people join the Marine Corps is to see different areas of the world,” said Maj. Timothy J. Hiel, officer-in-charge of the team. “I feel it’s a good opportunity to do that, and I think that being at sea and getting back to our maritime roots is a good aspect of it as well.” Participating in maritime operations is not the only tradition the Marine Corps is displaying during this operation; so is lending a helping hand. These Marines are ready to meet their host nation counterparts and do just that. “I think it is important,” said Allen. “I’d like to see more of these missions and not just in Iraq and Afghanistan. I would like there to be peacekeeping type missions but not strictly humanitarian missions either.” The APS mission involves not only Marines and Sailors training foreign military but also non-governmental agencies such as U.S. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Project Hope and the U.S. Agency for International Development. They will be providing assistance with medical outreach and fisheries management and patrolling. The training the host nations receive from the NGOs paired with the military-to-military training will give these African nations a holistic approach to building a safe and prosperous region. That is the end goal and one that everyone is happy to be participating in. The months spent training will teach everyone something about themselves and others and how we can successfully interact on a global scale. This mission is one of building safety and security but also building esprit de corps. “Every time I’ve done this in the past I’ve always come out with new relationships, new friends,” said Hiel. “I’ve always enjoyed it. I think the big thing is that you can learn things from these guys as well as teach things. I expect to come back a better rounded Marine. I think all these Marines will.”
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