Monday, March 30, 2009

International Marines unite for Africa Partnership Station Nashville


24 March 2009
By Sgt. Elsa PortilloAfrica Partnership Station Nashville Public Affairs
USS NASHVILLE, At sea – One Portuguese and five Spanish Marines joined the U.S. Marines on USS Nashville (LPD 13) while in port at Rota, Spain, and are currently taking part in Africa Partnership Station (APS) Nashville.
This mission brings together not only U.S. and African security forces, but military branches from Europe and South America as well. Currently, Brazil, Denmark, France, are contributing in planning and logistics in addition to observing.
This melting pot of cultures and perspectives gives everyone the chance to teach and learn from one another. This exchange is happening each day between all the Marines.
“I expect many things from this exercise with U.S. Marines,” said Staff Sgt. Alejandro Martin, infantryman, Amphibious Brigade, Spanish Marine Corps. “I hope I can learn a lot and can show all the things I know and learn in my country.”
The Spanish, Portuguese, and U.S. Marines have exchanged techniques regarding both marksmanship and martial arts skills. Sergeant Alvin F. McLean, advisor and
Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) instructor, Marine Advisor Team (MAT), Marine Forces Africa (MARFORAF), welcomed the Spanish Marines into the MCMAP training. The two groups of Marines watched each other with interest and realized many of the techniques were similar.
“It’s a possibility to modify things we have done,” said Pvt. Daniel Moral, communications operator, Amphibious Brigade, Spanish Marine Corps.
“We can see a better way to do things, so that we can improve our skills. We can keep going further to be the best at martial arts. This other country does the same thing but another way. We can get the best part of each other and unify it.”The interaction between the Portuguese, Spanish and U.S. Marines served as a good introduction to the challenges of teaching other host nation security forces. It also revealed a language barrier issue that U.S. Marines expect to be able to overcome.
“You just have to demonstrate more and take your time when instructing,” said Staff Sgt. Jason W. Elsdon, advisor, MAT, MARFORAF. “You have to have more leeway with your instruction. It’s going to take longer because they don’t know exactly what you’re saying to them. But by showing them over and over again you can overcome the barrier.”
The different nations will all work together during this initiative in different capacities, but the goal to share their knowledge with the African security forces is the same, according to Sgt. Abel Jorge, platoon commander, Portuguese Marine Corps.“It’s good for me to help others and to learn and comprehend another people, another culture,” Jorge said.

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