U.S. Marines, Soldiers and Sailor join with Liberian soldiers, for AFL rebuilding

4 March 2009

By Sgt. Elsa Portillo,Africa Partnership Station Nashville Public Affairs
MONROVIA, Liberia – Marines with the Marine Advisor Team (MAT) in support of Africa Partnership Station (APS) Nashville arrived in Liberia Feb. 16 to begin a nearly month-long partnership with the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) at Edward Binyah Kesselly Base (EBK).
These Marines will be working in a unique environment which brings together a mixture of expertise and services. Currently, there are service members from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Navy, along with contractors from DynCorp International and Pacific Architects and Engineers (PAE) joining members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in assisting Liberia in rebuilding its army.
The army was demobilized in 1999, creating the need for recruitment and training of a new fighting force. The new army would come from all regions of Liberia, ensuring a fair representation of all its residents.
Currently, the AFL is 2,000 strong and includes approximately 70 women. The soldiers begin their recruit training at Barclay Training Center (BTC) in Monrovia, Liberia. DynCorp International is responsible for their basic training at BTC and additional entry-level training at Camp Ware. Once the recruits graduate, they move on to their military occupational specialty (MOS) schools, taught by PAE and located at EBK.
In conjunction with their MOS training, U.S. Africa Command sent a Military Mentor Team (MMT), consisting of U.S. Marine Corps, Army and Navy personnel, to mentor and advise the AFL under the Liberian Security Sector Reform (SSR) program.
Africa Partnership Station Nashville is also involved in the advising process, focusing on sharing leadership traditions, non-lethal tactics, logistics, combat lifesaver’s skills, and Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. The non-commissioned officer corps is one that needs to be developed in a young and new army, and this is the mission for the Marines here with APS.
According to SSgt. Jeffrey Richardson, advisor, MAT, the main focus of the exchange of ideas will focus on leadership skills. In turn, the intent is to create an environment where this new fighting force will continue to train itself and any new service members. The Liberian soldiers are excited to be part of their nation’s new beginning and also to learn new skills from all these counterparts.
“I’m very happy, and I think this training will make us more efficient in military life,” said Pvt. Thomas Kruahmie, AFL. “I am very happy for the Marines coming. Personally, I’m learning something that will benefit me tomorrow.”
This enthusiasm can be seen all around the base from the soldiers, said SSgt. Gary L. Morris, SSR advisor.
“I think this far outweighs my previous deployments overseas,” said SSgt. Gary L. Morris, SSR advisor. “I think it’s a great thing we’re doing. They want us here. They are very motivated and the citizens and soldiers are very receptive to what we are doing. I’ve been mentoring them and they pick my brain 24/7. It’s been fun. We’re having a good time and I think it’s a positive impact.”