4 March 2009
By Sgt. Elsa Portillo,Africa Partnership Station Nashville Public Affairs
MONROVIA, Liberia – The heat is oppressive and draining, but the Liberian soldiers at Edward Binyah Kesselly Base in Monrovia, Liberia, still listen and participate while U.S. Marines with Marine Advisor Team share their experience with them. This interaction is part of Africa Partnership Station (APS) Nashville, an initiative that is partnering the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with West African nations in order to promote maritime safety and security.
This is especially beneficial for this country, as Liberia’s army was demobilized in 1999. In 2006, Liberia began rebuilding its military, and it currently is composed of 2,000 soldiers. They have all gone to recruit training and have attended military occupational specialty (MOS) schools. However, the creation of a solid military takes time, consistent training and experience.
There are already organizations helping Liberia to achieve its rebuilding objectives by guiding training and teaching in MOS schools. There are also U.S. service members deployed here to advise these new soldiers under the Liberian Security Sector Reform. However, APS Nashville is helping by offering mentorship concerning non-commissioned officer leadership, combat lifesaver skills, logistics, operational risk management, non-lethal weapons tactics, and Marine Corps martial arts. These seminars are meant to give a well-rounded view on how the U.S. Marines conduct business and what they consider necessary traits and procedures for success.
“I think it is absolutely important to be here because they have a certain level of inexperience, being that the new AFL has only been around for a couple of years,” said Sgt. Jeremy Grieb, advisor, MAT and Portsmouth, N.H., native. “Hopefully, we can help fill in the gap, and in time, experience will catch up with them.”
The AFL soldiers may lack the time in service, but they definitely do not lack enthusiasm, dedication or patriotism. Many of the soldiers asked question after question, practiced martial arts techniques during their lunch time, and eagerly shared their reasons for joining the AFL. This level of participation is much like that of U.S. Marines and the advisors were refreshed to see such character traits.
“They were very responsive,” said Cpl. Michael Tormos, advisor, MAT and Nashua, N.H., native. “They are like sponges. They soaked up every bit of knowledge we had to offer and they asked for more.”
The time spent together is creating a valuable learning environment that is building a solid base of information for the Liberian soldiers to draw upon.
“I think it’s very good what they are doing here,” said Pvt. David Zubawuo. “They are helping us for the future for tomorrow in case of any problems we can take care of it ourselves.”
The AFL soldiers are looking to the future. There are new buildings and roads being built all over Monrovia, Liberia. There are many government and non-governmental agencies assisting to create an atmosphere of peace and stability for this nation. The hope for the future is bright and the U.S. Marines are happy to be a part of this effort.
“This has been a new experience and I have enjoyed it,” said Tormos. “It’s a great opportunity to be out here working with the AFL. I think this will have a great impact on the countries we are visiting because they will see America as a ‘big brother.’ It may also have an impact on surrounding countries, by showing them that Liberia is serious about progressing towards the future.”
By Sgt. Elsa Portillo,Africa Partnership Station Nashville Public Affairs
MONROVIA, Liberia – The heat is oppressive and draining, but the Liberian soldiers at Edward Binyah Kesselly Base in Monrovia, Liberia, still listen and participate while U.S. Marines with Marine Advisor Team share their experience with them. This interaction is part of Africa Partnership Station (APS) Nashville, an initiative that is partnering the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with West African nations in order to promote maritime safety and security.
This is especially beneficial for this country, as Liberia’s army was demobilized in 1999. In 2006, Liberia began rebuilding its military, and it currently is composed of 2,000 soldiers. They have all gone to recruit training and have attended military occupational specialty (MOS) schools. However, the creation of a solid military takes time, consistent training and experience.
There are already organizations helping Liberia to achieve its rebuilding objectives by guiding training and teaching in MOS schools. There are also U.S. service members deployed here to advise these new soldiers under the Liberian Security Sector Reform. However, APS Nashville is helping by offering mentorship concerning non-commissioned officer leadership, combat lifesaver skills, logistics, operational risk management, non-lethal weapons tactics, and Marine Corps martial arts. These seminars are meant to give a well-rounded view on how the U.S. Marines conduct business and what they consider necessary traits and procedures for success.
“I think it is absolutely important to be here because they have a certain level of inexperience, being that the new AFL has only been around for a couple of years,” said Sgt. Jeremy Grieb, advisor, MAT and Portsmouth, N.H., native. “Hopefully, we can help fill in the gap, and in time, experience will catch up with them.”
The AFL soldiers may lack the time in service, but they definitely do not lack enthusiasm, dedication or patriotism. Many of the soldiers asked question after question, practiced martial arts techniques during their lunch time, and eagerly shared their reasons for joining the AFL. This level of participation is much like that of U.S. Marines and the advisors were refreshed to see such character traits.
“They were very responsive,” said Cpl. Michael Tormos, advisor, MAT and Nashua, N.H., native. “They are like sponges. They soaked up every bit of knowledge we had to offer and they asked for more.”
The time spent together is creating a valuable learning environment that is building a solid base of information for the Liberian soldiers to draw upon.
“I think it’s very good what they are doing here,” said Pvt. David Zubawuo. “They are helping us for the future for tomorrow in case of any problems we can take care of it ourselves.”
The AFL soldiers are looking to the future. There are new buildings and roads being built all over Monrovia, Liberia. There are many government and non-governmental agencies assisting to create an atmosphere of peace and stability for this nation. The hope for the future is bright and the U.S. Marines are happy to be a part of this effort.
“This has been a new experience and I have enjoyed it,” said Tormos. “It’s a great opportunity to be out here working with the AFL. I think this will have a great impact on the countries we are visiting because they will see America as a ‘big brother.’ It may also have an impact on surrounding countries, by showing them that Liberia is serious about progressing towards the future.”
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