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The new immigration law in Arizona (SB-1070), that recently passed is one of the most shameful acts to pass in recent years. What most people believe will clean up the streets of illegal immigrants, is only a mask of its true intentions.
The law was written and created by Russell Pearce, a man with close ties to white supremacists and white nationalists, and who in 2006 forwarded emails from National Alliance, a white separatist group. The email was called "White Rules America" and criticized black and white intermixing as well as the Jews for promoting racial equality. This man, is also a Holocaust denier. He's also a close and personal friend of neo-nazi activists like J.T Ready. The assumption of this law is that it will only affect illegals and "clean up the streets of America". In reality, what is being done is bigoted, cruel and without a doubt, disgusting. This new law will only give the xenophobic and flat-out racists and reactionaries, the bump they need to harass private citizens and anyone they assume is not here legally. This will only lead to tragic consequences for those who don't look white.
Arizona state Governor Jan Brewer has stated that under this law racial profiling is prohibited, but let's get a dose of reality. That is EXACTLY what will happen. Behind the mask that it will serve a greater good and deter illegals from being there, the true motives behind this law is something purely racist and sinister. What the people behind this truly want is to slowly build up to an ethnic cleansing of America.
The architects behind this insanity, empower the worst kind of racists to go around and harass anyone who isn't white. If you don't believe or see that, I'm sorry for you. What we have is a law that potentially will cause the death of innocent people, Americans and illegals.
My father was born in Arizona, he is an American citizen who is also a first generation Mexican and first generation German. And yet, because he speaks, writes and reads in Spanish more fluently than in English, he's persecuted by slack-jawed yokels for not being white or American enough. He has been physically assaulted, spit on, verbally attacked and told to get his "wetback face" out of the country he was born in. This bill will only increase such outrageous cruelties. And although we're fortunate to live in California, that doesn't save anyone else. This law is to be a litmus test; to see if such a law can be passed in this country. If successful, the same architects behind SB1070 plan to push for similar laws in every state.
I've heard some ridiculous remarks about how wonderful this law is. Some by people I once assumed to be friends. These people, even after learning about the bigoted nature of the people who created this bill, don't care. They are so consumed by the idea that this backward law will rid them of illegals, that they forget so much. Most Americans who support SB1070 live outside Arizona. They are unaware of the fragile political reality in the border counties of Arizona. They are wholly unaware of the influence that white supremacist nativist groups in Arizona have had on this law's authorship. Because they only see the national headlines which have framed this law only has an anti-illegal immigration bill, they miss that the true goal is to silence non-white American citizens living in the border counties such as Pima and Maricopa so that a whites-only political fiefdom can be created here.
They fear that illegals are taking their jobs, jobs that they themselves often feel they're too good to perform themselves. Field workers survive daily in some of the most atrocious conditions every day. They risk limbs, their arms are scarred and ruined, fingers callused by picking fruits and vegetables by hand in weather that can get up to 116 degrees in some states.
This law was written by Fascists who will proudly terrorize these people. Terrorize my family, whose only sin is that they don't look white enough...that I don't look white enough. It's heartbreaking and sickening and my only hope is that more people will realize this and put an end to it.
Some people have said that carrying around papers to prove that you're a legal citizen isn't such a big deal. I'm sure a lot of Germans thought the same in 1935. As a good friend reminded me, "'Wo Ihre Papiere sind, Jude!'...sound familiar? No? Look it up.".
Many noted conservative and liberal political figures, including several figures in Arizona law enforcement are coming out against this law, opposing it, not just for being ineffective against ending illegal immigration, but for being blatantly racist, blatantly dangerous, and blatantly unamerican.
WASHINGTON (March 18, 2019) Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen gives the annual state of Homeland Security address at George Washington University in Washington. (DHS photo by Tim D. Godbee/Released)
WASHINGTON (March 18, 2019) Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen gives the annual state of Homeland Security address at George Washington University in Washington. (DHS photo by Tim D. Godbee/Released)
WASHINGTON (March 18, 2019) Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen gives the annual state of Homeland Security address at George Washington University in Washington. (DHS photo by Tim D. Godbee/Released)
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jente Brothers, assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, stands on a forklift that is being used to fortify fencing along the Calexico West Port of Entry in Calexico, California on Nov. 17, 2018. U.S. Northern Command is providing military support to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to secure the Southern border of the United States. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Nyatan Bol) www.dvidshub.net
U.S. Soldiers and Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7, practice non-lethal crowd control drills at the Calexico West Port of Entry in Calexico, California on Nov. 27, 2018. Department of Defense military personnel was authorized to provide force protection for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel to help ensure they can perform their assigned federal functions. U.S. Northern Command is providing military support to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to secure the Southern border of the United States. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Nyatan Bol)
A Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group member waits to clear rooms of an abandoned hotel during a direct action training scenario as part of the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) West exercise July 6, 2014, in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. PNP police officers received training from U.S. Army, Operational Detachment-Alpha Special Forces operators to increase their capabilities in support of counterdrug efforts during JIATF West. The mission of JIATF West is to reduce threats in the Asia-Pacific by combating drug related transnational organized crime. The work of JIATF West supports counterdrug efforts of partner nation law enforcement and military units with law enforcement or border security responsibilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal)
U.S. Army Spc. Christopher Hernandez, foreground, assigned to the 65th Military Police Company, conducts non-lethal riot control training in Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, November 24, 2018. Department of Defense military personnel will not be conducting law enforcement functions, but are authorized to provide force protection for Customs and Border Protection personnel and help make sure CBP personnel can perform their assigned Federal functions. U.S. Northern Command is providing military support to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to secure the southern border of the United States. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brandon Best)
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 937th Route Clearance Company, 20th Engineer Battalion, 36th Engineer Brigade, transport luggage after arriving at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 3, 2018. The 937th Route Clearance Company deployed from Ft. Hood, Texas to support local Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in support of Operation Faithful Patriot. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brandon Best)
U.S. Marines and Soldiers assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force 7 fortify border fencing along the southwest border on Nov. 11, 2018. U.S. Northern Command is providing military support to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to secure the Southern border of the United States. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Nyatan Bol) www.dvidshub.net
Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group members prepare to move up a staricase during a direct action training scenario as part of the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) West exercise July 6, 2014, in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. PNP police officers received training from U.S. Army, Operational Detachment-Alpha Special Forces operators to increase their capabilities in support of counterdrug efforts during JIATF West. The mission of JIATF West is to reduce threats in the Asia-Pacific by combating drug related transnational organized crime. The work of JIATF West supports counterdrug efforts of partner nation law enforcement and military units with law enforcement or border security responsibilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal)
Djiboutian Army 2nd Company 1st Rapid Action Regiment, Sgt. Abeh Abdallah, squad leader, aims his weapon during a contact drills practical application during infantry skills training in Ali Oune, Djibouti, Feb 2, 2011.
Photo by Master Sgt. Dawn M. Price
ALI OUNE, Djibouti– Under an overcast sky, nearly 200 members of the Djiboutian Army’s elite 1st Rapid Action Regiment honed their infantry skills, mentored by members of the U.S. Army National Guard’s 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment.
The training included instruction on squad movements, convoy operations, contact drills, camp security and marksmanship, and was part of a one-month course which began Jan. 16 and culminated with a graduation Feb. 10. The instruction included mortar crew training and a combat engineering course, according to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nelson Perkins, mission commander and member of Charlie Company.
“Our mission here is to mentor the Djiboutian military as they prepare for upcoming missions. We’re trying to help them so they are capable of preventing conflict, establishing regional stability, and protecting coalition interests here,” said Staff Sgt. Travis Elder, an infantry squad leader with the 137th, who is a sheriff’s deputy in his hometown located near Topeka, Kan.
“My team and I are out here mentoring the soldiers and helping them along, basically giving them more tools for their toolbox. We’re showing them things that have helped us get through certain operations, and we want to help them so they can get through their future missions without any problem,” he said.
One of the biggest challenges the instructors faced was the language barrier due to few Djiboutian soldiers speaking English, according to Sgt. Jonathan Moyer, a team member with Echo Company. Instructors relied heavily on 2nd Lt. Omar Ali, Djibouti Army 2nd Company commander, who is fluent in four languages, and Mohamed Said, a Somali-born U.S. Army interpreter.
Throughout the morning, the small groups practiced team movements, and communicated contact and direction of fire. Loud whistle bursts signified enemy contact, and the Djiboutian soldiers moved succinctly, went into the prone position and assumed their staggered firing positions.
The regiment, which was established in 1991 and is comprised of a number of 20-year combat veterans, is the first unit in the Djiboutian Army called to deploy during a contingency, according to Ali. The regiment also provides border security on the Somaliland border located approximately seven miles from the camp.
“The goal for my soldiers is to prepare them for their mission and especially for a deployment under the United Nations, like they did in Haiti and Central Africa,” Ali said, who has been in the army since 2001. He attended an officer’s course with Germany’s mountain troops from 2004-2008 and will soon attend the Infantry Career Captain’s Course at Fort Benning, Ga.
According to Ali, the training is part of a continuation of training that began in September 2010 that included effective methods of instruction, commander operation skills course, a command post exercise, and company grade and noncommissioned officer courses.
Just one month ago, the newly-formed training camp consisted of just six concrete pads. Today the camp consists of about 12 tents, a mosque and a large covered classroom area.
“Camp Ali Oune is actually the first of its kind. The Djiboutians don’t have any bases here on the Somali border, and this camp is supposed to be here for quite a while. They will be utilizing the camp as a training area and for continuing operations to keep this region safe,” he said.
About two miles away in the shadow of a steep hill, other members of the Rapid Action Regiment sharpened their marksmanship skills using the Russian PKM 7.62-mm machine gun, which is the equivalent of the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon. Automatic gunfire and the ricochet of rounds echoed from the large rock-covered hill as each two-man team practiced firing in staccato bursts of three and five rounds.
“Very well done,” one of the instructors exclaimed after seeing a bullseye on the target of one team.
Ali said the training and mentoring provided by the 137th is beneficial because the cadre of instructors bring real-world operational experience.
“We already had a good relationship with the U.S. Army, and I have to say it’s a good thing and we have a good image of the U.S. Army,” Ali said.
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica
Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group members provide security at an entrance of an abandoned hotel during a direct action training scenario as part of the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) West exercise July 6, 2014, in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. PNP police officers received training from U.S. Army, Operational Detachment-Alpha Special Forces operators to increase their capabilities in support of counterdrug efforts during JIATF West. The mission of JIATF West is to reduce threats in the Asia-Pacific by combating drug related transnational organized crime. The work of JIATF West supports counterdrug efforts of partner nation law enforcement and military units with law enforcement or border security responsibilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal)
Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group members provide security while waiting to move up a staircase during a direct action training scenario as part of the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) West exercise July 6, 2014, in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. PNP police officers received training from U.S. Army, Operational Detachment-Alpha Special Forces operators to increase their capabilities in support of counterdrug efforts during JIATF West. The mission of JIATF West is to reduce threats in the Asia-Pacific by combating drug related transnational organized crime. The work of JIATF West supports counterdrug efforts of partner nation law enforcement and military units with law enforcement or border security responsibilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal)
Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group members provide security during a direct action training scenario as part of the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) West exercise July 6, 2014, in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. PNP police officers received training from U.S. Army, Operational Detachment-Alpha Special Forces operators to increase their capabilities in support of counterdrug efforts during JIATF West. The mission of JIATF West is to reduce threats in the Asia-Pacific by combating drug related transnational organized crime. The work of JIATF West supports counterdrug efforts of partner nation law enforcement and military units with law enforcement or border security responsibilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal)
Infrared radar image from a Georgia National Guard LUH-72 Lakota helicopter operating in support of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol along the Texas border.
(Georgia Army National Guard photo by Maj. Will Cox/Released)
HSI BEST group in Kansas City pose for various shots depicting BEST enforecemet operations in Kansas City. Inspections at train yard, airport and mail facility
Michael Humphries, in blue, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection director of the Port of Nogales, briefs U.S. Air Force Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, right, the commander of United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, at a fence near the Nogales Port of Entry, Nogales, Arizona, November 7, 2018. U.S. Northern Command is providing military support to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to secure the southern border of the United States. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Hosannah Vickery) www.dvidshub.net
WASHINGTON (March 18, 2019) Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen gives the annual state of Homeland Security address at George Washington University in Washington. (DHS photo by Tim D. Godbee/Released)
Djiboutian Army 1st Rapid Action Regiment Squad Leader, Abou Bakr Housein, draws a sand table for his fellow squad members during a break from instruction on basic infantry movements, as part of a training course held in Ali Oune, Djibouti, Feb 2, 2011.
Photo by Master Sgt. Dawn M. Price
ALI OUNE, Djibouti– Under an overcast sky, nearly 200 members of the Djiboutian Army’s elite 1st Rapid Action Regiment honed their infantry skills, mentored by members of the U.S. Army National Guard’s 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment.
The training included instruction on squad movements, convoy operations, contact drills, camp security and marksmanship, and was part of a one-month course which began Jan. 16 and culminated with a graduation Feb. 10. The instruction included mortar crew training and a combat engineering course, according to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nelson Perkins, mission commander and member of Charlie Company.
“Our mission here is to mentor the Djiboutian military as they prepare for upcoming missions. We’re trying to help them so they are capable of preventing conflict, establishing regional stability, and protecting coalition interests here,” said Staff Sgt. Travis Elder, an infantry squad leader with the 137th, who is a sheriff’s deputy in his hometown located near Topeka, Kan.
“My team and I are out here mentoring the soldiers and helping them along, basically giving them more tools for their toolbox. We’re showing them things that have helped us get through certain operations, and we want to help them so they can get through their future missions without any problem,” he said.
One of the biggest challenges the instructors faced was the language barrier due to few Djiboutian soldiers speaking English, according to Sgt. Jonathan Moyer, a team member with Echo Company. Instructors relied heavily on 2nd Lt. Omar Ali, Djibouti Army 2nd Company commander, who is fluent in four languages, and Mohamed Said, a Somali-born U.S. Army interpreter.
Throughout the morning, the small groups practiced team movements, and communicated contact and direction of fire. Loud whistle bursts signified enemy contact, and the Djiboutian soldiers moved succinctly, went into the prone position and assumed their staggered firing positions.
The regiment, which was established in 1991 and is comprised of a number of 20-year combat veterans, is the first unit in the Djiboutian Army called to deploy during a contingency, according to Ali. The regiment also provides border security on the Somaliland border located approximately seven miles from the camp.
“The goal for my soldiers is to prepare them for their mission and especially for a deployment under the United Nations, like they did in Haiti and Central Africa,” Ali said, who has been in the army since 2001. He attended an officer’s course with Germany’s mountain troops from 2004-2008 and will soon attend the Infantry Career Captain’s Course at Fort Benning, Ga.
According to Ali, the training is part of a continuation of training that began in September 2010 that included effective methods of instruction, commander operation skills course, a command post exercise, and company grade and noncommissioned officer courses.
Just one month ago, the newly-formed training camp consisted of just six concrete pads. Today the camp consists of about 12 tents, a mosque and a large covered classroom area.
“Camp Ali Oune is actually the first of its kind. The Djiboutians don’t have any bases here on the Somali border, and this camp is supposed to be here for quite a while. They will be utilizing the camp as a training area and for continuing operations to keep this region safe,” he said.
About two miles away in the shadow of a steep hill, other members of the Rapid Action Regiment sharpened their marksmanship skills using the Russian PKM 7.62-mm machine gun, which is the equivalent of the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon. Automatic gunfire and the ricochet of rounds echoed from the large rock-covered hill as each two-man team practiced firing in staccato bursts of three and five rounds.
“Very well done,” one of the instructors exclaimed after seeing a bullseye on the target of one team.
Ali said the training and mentoring provided by the 137th is beneficial because the cadre of instructors bring real-world operational experience.
“We already had a good relationship with the U.S. Army, and I have to say it’s a good thing and we have a good image of the U.S. Army,” Ali said.
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica
U.S. Army interpreter, Mohamed Said, instructs soldier of the Djiboutian Army’s 1st Quick Reaction Regiment his sector of fire during a training scenario at Camp Ali Oune, Djibouti, Feb. 2, 2011.
Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Lindsey
ALI OUNE, Djibouti– Under an overcast sky, nearly 200 members of the Djiboutian Army’s elite 1st Rapid Action Regiment honed their infantry skills, mentored by members of the U.S. Army National Guard’s 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment.
The training included instruction on squad movements, convoy operations, contact drills, camp security and marksmanship, and was part of a one-month course which began Jan. 16 and culminated with a graduation Feb. 10. The instruction included mortar crew training and a combat engineering course, according to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nelson Perkins, mission commander and member of Charlie Company.
“Our mission here is to mentor the Djiboutian military as they prepare for upcoming missions. We’re trying to help them so they are capable of preventing conflict, establishing regional stability, and protecting coalition interests here,” said Staff Sgt. Travis Elder, an infantry squad leader with the 137th, who is a sheriff’s deputy in his hometown located near Topeka, Kan.
“My team and I are out here mentoring the soldiers and helping them along, basically giving them more tools for their toolbox. We’re showing them things that have helped us get through certain operations, and we want to help them so they can get through their future missions without any problem,” he said.
One of the biggest challenges the instructors faced was the language barrier due to few Djiboutian soldiers speaking English, according to Sgt. Jonathan Moyer, a team member with Echo Company. Instructors relied heavily on 2nd Lt. Omar Ali, Djibouti Army 2nd Company commander, who is fluent in four languages, and Mohamed Said, a Somali-born U.S. Army interpreter.
Throughout the morning, the small groups practiced team movements, and communicated contact and direction of fire. Loud whistle bursts signified enemy contact, and the Djiboutian soldiers moved succinctly, went into the prone position and assumed their staggered firing positions.
The regiment, which was established in 1991 and is comprised of a number of 20-year combat veterans, is the first unit in the Djiboutian Army called to deploy during a contingency, according to Ali. The regiment also provides border security on the Somaliland border located approximately seven miles from the camp.
“The goal for my soldiers is to prepare them for their mission and especially for a deployment under the United Nations, like they did in Haiti and Central Africa,” Ali said, who has been in the army since 2001. He attended an officer’s course with Germany’s mountain troops from 2004-2008 and will soon attend the Infantry Career Captain’s Course at Fort Benning, Ga.
According to Ali, the training is part of a continuation of training that began in September 2010 that included effective methods of instruction, commander operation skills course, a command post exercise, and company grade and noncommissioned officer courses.
Just one month ago, the newly-formed training camp consisted of just six concrete pads. Today the camp consists of about 12 tents, a mosque and a large covered classroom area.
“Camp Ali Oune is actually the first of its kind. The Djiboutians don’t have any bases here on the Somali border, and this camp is supposed to be here for quite a while. They will be utilizing the camp as a training area and for continuing operations to keep this region safe,” he said.
About two miles away in the shadow of a steep hill, other members of the Rapid Action Regiment sharpened their marksmanship skills using the Russian PKM 7.62-mm machine gun, which is the equivalent of the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon. Automatic gunfire and the ricochet of rounds echoed from the large rock-covered hill as each two-man team practiced firing in staccato bursts of three and five rounds.
“Very well done,” one of the instructors exclaimed after seeing a bullseye on the target of one team.
Ali said the training and mentoring provided by the 137th is beneficial because the cadre of instructors bring real-world operational experience.
“We already had a good relationship with the U.S. Army, and I have to say it’s a good thing and we have a good image of the U.S. Army,” Ali said.
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica
A Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group member moves up a staircase an another PNP Maritime Group member scans his sector of fire during a direct action training scenario as part of the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) West exercise July 6, 2014, in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. PNP police officers received training from U.S. Army, Operational Detachment-Alpha Special Forces operators to increase their capabilities in support of counterdrug efforts during JIATF West. The mission of JIATF West is to reduce threats in the Asia-Pacific by combating drug related transnational organized crime. The work of JIATF West supports counterdrug efforts of partner nation law enforcement and military units with law enforcement or border security responsibilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal)
Funded by the European Union Office in Kosovo, the Integrated Border Management (IBM) Kosovo Project, implemented by UNOPS, is establishing three common crossing points between Serbia and Kosovo.* The €11 million project aims to foster economic development as well as enhance regional cooperation, peace and stability.
Situated at Merdarë, Bërnjak and Mutivodë in Kosovo, the crossing points are being hosted and reconstructed in partnership with the government of Kosovo and the European Union Office in Kosovo. UNOPS is responsible for the design, construction, procurement and financial management activities for the facilities at each location. This includes the installation and relocation of essential infrastructure, including traffic infrastructure and bridges.
The facilities have been designed to meet European standards for integrated border management. The modern infrastructure will help facilitate institutional, operational and procedural reforms – facilitating free trade and the movement of goods and people. Upon completion, the three crossing point facilities will house 200 officers helping more than 1.5 million people safely cross between Kosovo and Serbia every year – more than 4,000 citizens on average every day.
© UNOPS/Elise Laker
Djiboutian Army 2nd Company 1st Rapid Action Regiment, 2nd Lt. Omar Ali (center), 2nd Company commander, properly positions his soldiers during a soldier techniques class as part of a training course held in Ali Oune, Djibouti, Feb 2, 2011.
Photo by Master Sgt. Dawn M. Price
ALI OUNE, Djibouti– Under an overcast sky, nearly 200 members of the Djiboutian Army’s elite 1st Rapid Action Regiment honed their infantry skills, mentored by members of the U.S. Army National Guard’s 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment.
The training included instruction on squad movements, convoy operations, contact drills, camp security and marksmanship, and was part of a one-month course which began Jan. 16 and culminated with a graduation Feb. 10. The instruction included mortar crew training and a combat engineering course, according to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nelson Perkins, mission commander and member of Charlie Company.
“Our mission here is to mentor the Djiboutian military as they prepare for upcoming missions. We’re trying to help them so they are capable of preventing conflict, establishing regional stability, and protecting coalition interests here,” said Staff Sgt. Travis Elder, an infantry squad leader with the 137th, who is a sheriff’s deputy in his hometown located near Topeka, Kan.
“My team and I are out here mentoring the soldiers and helping them along, basically giving them more tools for their toolbox. We’re showing them things that have helped us get through certain operations, and we want to help them so they can get through their future missions without any problem,” he said.
One of the biggest challenges the instructors faced was the language barrier due to few Djiboutian soldiers speaking English, according to Sgt. Jonathan Moyer, a team member with Echo Company. Instructors relied heavily on 2nd Lt. Omar Ali, Djibouti Army 2nd Company commander, who is fluent in four languages, and Mohamed Said, a Somali-born U.S. Army interpreter.
Throughout the morning, the small groups practiced team movements, and communicated contact and direction of fire. Loud whistle bursts signified enemy contact, and the Djiboutian soldiers moved succinctly, went into the prone position and assumed their staggered firing positions.
The regiment, which was established in 1991 and is comprised of a number of 20-year combat veterans, is the first unit in the Djiboutian Army called to deploy during a contingency, according to Ali. The regiment also provides border security on the Somaliland border located approximately seven miles from the camp.
“The goal for my soldiers is to prepare them for their mission and especially for a deployment under the United Nations, like they did in Haiti and Central Africa,” Ali said, who has been in the army since 2001. He attended an officer’s course with Germany’s mountain troops from 2004-2008 and will soon attend the Infantry Career Captain’s Course at Fort Benning, Ga.
According to Ali, the training is part of a continuation of training that began in September 2010 that included effective methods of instruction, commander operation skills course, a command post exercise, and company grade and noncommissioned officer courses.
Just one month ago, the newly-formed training camp consisted of just six concrete pads. Today the camp consists of about 12 tents, a mosque and a large covered classroom area.
“Camp Ali Oune is actually the first of its kind. The Djiboutians don’t have any bases here on the Somali border, and this camp is supposed to be here for quite a while. They will be utilizing the camp as a training area and for continuing operations to keep this region safe,” he said.
About two miles away in the shadow of a steep hill, other members of the Rapid Action Regiment sharpened their marksmanship skills using the Russian PKM 7.62-mm machine gun, which is the equivalent of the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon. Automatic gunfire and the ricochet of rounds echoed from the large rock-covered hill as each two-man team practiced firing in staccato bursts of three and five rounds.
“Very well done,” one of the instructors exclaimed after seeing a bullseye on the target of one team.
Ali said the training and mentoring provided by the 137th is beneficial because the cadre of instructors bring real-world operational experience.
“We already had a good relationship with the U.S. Army, and I have to say it’s a good thing and we have a good image of the U.S. Army,” Ali said.
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nelson Perkins draws lines in the dirt to show a soldier of the Djiboutian Army’s 1st Quick Reaction Regiment his sector of fire during a training scenario at Camp Ali Oune, Djibouti, February 2, 2011.
Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Lindsey
ALI OUNE, Djibouti– Under an overcast sky, nearly 200 members of the Djiboutian Army’s elite 1st Rapid Action Regiment honed their infantry skills, mentored by members of the U.S. Army National Guard’s 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment.
The training included instruction on squad movements, convoy operations, contact drills, camp security and marksmanship, and was part of a one-month course which began Jan. 16 and culminated with a graduation Feb. 10. The instruction included mortar crew training and a combat engineering course, according to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nelson Perkins, mission commander and member of Charlie Company.
“Our mission here is to mentor the Djiboutian military as they prepare for upcoming missions. We’re trying to help them so they are capable of preventing conflict, establishing regional stability, and protecting coalition interests here,” said Staff Sgt. Travis Elder, an infantry squad leader with the 137th, who is a sheriff’s deputy in his hometown located near Topeka, Kan.
“My team and I are out here mentoring the soldiers and helping them along, basically giving them more tools for their toolbox. We’re showing them things that have helped us get through certain operations, and we want to help them so they can get through their future missions without any problem,” he said.
One of the biggest challenges the instructors faced was the language barrier due to few Djiboutian soldiers speaking English, according to Sgt. Jonathan Moyer, a team member with Echo Company. Instructors relied heavily on 2nd Lt. Omar Ali, Djibouti Army 2nd Company commander, who is fluent in four languages, and Mohamed Said, a Somali-born U.S. Army interpreter.
Throughout the morning, the small groups practiced team movements, and communicated contact and direction of fire. Loud whistle bursts signified enemy contact, and the Djiboutian soldiers moved succinctly, went into the prone position and assumed their staggered firing positions.
The regiment, which was established in 1991 and is comprised of a number of 20-year combat veterans, is the first unit in the Djiboutian Army called to deploy during a contingency, according to Ali. The regiment also provides border security on the Somaliland border located approximately seven miles from the camp.
“The goal for my soldiers is to prepare them for their mission and especially for a deployment under the United Nations, like they did in Haiti and Central Africa,” Ali said, who has been in the army since 2001. He attended an officer’s course with Germany’s mountain troops from 2004-2008 and will soon attend the Infantry Career Captain’s Course at Fort Benning, Ga.
According to Ali, the training is part of a continuation of training that began in September 2010 that included effective methods of instruction, commander operation skills course, a command post exercise, and company grade and noncommissioned officer courses.
Just one month ago, the newly-formed training camp consisted of just six concrete pads. Today the camp consists of about 12 tents, a mosque and a large covered classroom area.
“Camp Ali Oune is actually the first of its kind. The Djiboutians don’t have any bases here on the Somali border, and this camp is supposed to be here for quite a while. They will be utilizing the camp as a training area and for continuing operations to keep this region safe,” he said.
About two miles away in the shadow of a steep hill, other members of the Rapid Action Regiment sharpened their marksmanship skills using the Russian PKM 7.62-mm machine gun, which is the equivalent of the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon. Automatic gunfire and the ricochet of rounds echoed from the large rock-covered hill as each two-man team practiced firing in staccato bursts of three and five rounds.
“Very well done,” one of the instructors exclaimed after seeing a bullseye on the target of one team.
Ali said the training and mentoring provided by the 137th is beneficial because the cadre of instructors bring real-world operational experience.
“We already had a good relationship with the U.S. Army, and I have to say it’s a good thing and we have a good image of the U.S. Army,” Ali said.
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica
After a tumultuous first year of the Trump administration, the US-Mexico relationship—arguably the most critical and sensitive bilateral relationship in the Western Hemisphere—has changed significantly. While many of the most pessimistic initial predictions on trade, migration, and other cooperative efforts have not come to pass, most analysts agree that the tone and quality of relations have deteriorated. Uncertainty continues to define the renegotiation talks for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the status of many Mexican immigrants in the United States, and the future of US-Mexico border and security cooperation. Meanwhile, July’s presidential election in Mexico threatens to inject even more upheaval into the relationship. How should the changing dynamics be understood? And what is at stake in the relationship going forward?
El Colegio de México, Tulane University, and the Inter-American Dialogue are pleased to host a high-level conference on the complex and evolving dynamics between the two countries. This US-Mexico forum brings together top tier academic and policy experts from both countries for an open debate on the path forward for the relationship.
I was at a public park on Viginia Key, near Miami, taking photos of the area when a chopper flew overhead, headed south over Biscayne Key.
I snapped a few shots, and turned my attention to something else when someone said, "Whoa! Look at that! The pilot put the aircraft into a sharp, nosedown, 180 turn and flew at us.
Apparently my taking photos of this U.S, Customs and Border Security helicopter aroused the suspicions of the pilot, because he gave me a good, hard look-see on his little flyby.
So, here's a few hints for Bozo the Pilot:
A: Photography is not a crime.
B: You really shouldn't be wasting fuel checking up on somebody with a camera, when there are more important things to worry about, you know, like drug smugglers.
C: If intimidation is what you were trying for, it didn't work.
Here are the specifics on the chopper:
It's registered to the Department of Homeland Security. (Or as I like to call it, The Department of Halfbaked Stupidity)
The craft was registered 1/15/2009.
It is a 2008 Eurocopter AS 350 B3 powered by a Turbomecca Arriel 2B1 engine.
It seats six and was certified as airworthy on 9/9/08
The serial number for this craft is 4483 and it's transponder code is 52422472.
I wonder how long it will be before these choppers are used to keep people in this country, instead of out of it.
Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol, CBP, Ronald D. Vitiello testifies on Border Security; examining the implications of S. 1691, the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform act of 2013 before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in Washington D.C. Here he shakes hands with Chairman Thomas R. Carper D (DE). Photo by James Tourtellotte
Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol, CBP, Ronald D. Vitiello testifies on Border Security; examining the implications of S. 1691, the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform act of 2013 before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in Washington D.C. Photo by James Tourtellotte
If you'd like to run one of my cartoons on your website or in print, please email me at toons@mikhaela.net for rates and information. See my website www.mikhaela.net for more.
A Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group member communicates with other PNP forces during a direct action training scenario as part of the Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) West exercise July 6, 2014, in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. PNP police officers received training from U.S. Army, Operational Detachment-Alpha Special Forces operators to increase their capabilities in support of counterdrug efforts during JIATF West. The mission of JIATF West is to reduce threats in the Asia-Pacific by combating drug related transnational organized crime. The work of JIATF West supports counterdrug efforts of partner nation law enforcement and military units with law enforcement or border security responsibilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal)
HSI BEST group in Kansas City pose for various shots depicting BEST enforecemet operations in Kansas City. Inspections at train yard, airport and mail facility
Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol, CBP, Ronald D. Vitiello testifies on Border Security; examining the implications of S. 1691, the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform act of 2013 before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in Washington D.C. Photo by James Tourtellotte
Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol, CBP, Ronald D. Vitiello testifies on Border Security; examining the implications of S. 1691, the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform act of 2013 before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in Washington D.C. Photo by James Tourtellotte
Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol, CBP, Ronald D. Vitiello testifies on Border Security; examining the implications of S. 1691, the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform act of 2013 before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in Washington D.C. Photo by James Tourtellotte
U.S. Army photo by David Ruderman, U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs
Commander of the Kenyan Army, Lt. Gen. Njuki Mwaniki, met with U.S. Army Africa leaders and toured the command’s headquarters in Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 23-25.
In addition to meeting with U.S. Army Africa Commander, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, Mwaniki delivered a presentation on border security issues affecting Kenya and toured some of the installation’s skills training facilities and Battle Command Training Center.
The Kenyan general said he was impressed by the sophisticated training and the working relationships he observed among American soldiers and their leaders.
“I think the relationship between the command and the staff, for example [between the sergeant major and the staff, is a very good example,” he said. “That is one of the highlights that I can pick straight away. That shows you it will be a successful command,” he said.
CSM Hu Rhodes, command sergeants major, USARAF, said visits like this put a personal face to a professional relationship. The command relationship endures changes in personnel; however, a familiar face can make things easier at times.
“All three of the Officers that visited were great, but, in particular, the General was impressive in each opportunity I had to spend time with him,” Rhodes said. “He is a studied leader that readily shares his experiences. I learned a lot, took a lot of notes, and look forward to meeting his NCO's in the near future.”
Mwaniki thinks the military profession is about survival, securing the nation and, in doing so, saving lives.
“That is the bottom line of our profession, therefore, we must be perfect in the task we undertake to secure the nation — there’s no substitute for that,” he said. “You must have the passion to love what you do — it must be in your genes; it must be in you.”
Mwaniki’s visit to Vicenza is another building block in an evolving relationship between the Kenyan Army and U.S. Army Africa, and we need to sustain this relationship.
“There’s really a relationship now between the U.S. and Africa,” he said. “Visits by [Major General] Hogg [to Kenya] and my visit here we are able to share our thoughts that ensure not only that [our] relationship is enhanced, but that we understand each other,” the Kenyan commander said emphatically.
Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, commander, USARAF, said the beauty about having the chief of the Kenyan Army visiting us here in Vicenza is absolutely dramatic.
“He’s very personable and brand new to the job -- we had an opportunity to discuss some of the challenges and issues in Eastern Africa,” Hogg said. “We also talked about potential training, missions, exercises, and of course he had the opportunity to come see how U.S. Army Africa operates on a daily basis and see some of our training devises that we use for our Soldiers here,” the USARAF commander said.
Mwaniki stressed that communication is critical — it makes you understand the other person.
“We want to get as much as possible, to ensure that we secure and make Africa a better place,” Mwaniki said. “Ultimately our problems will be solved by us, but the expediencies of the U.S. in other areas will allow us to solve our problems, and we thank them,” he said.
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica
U.S. Army photo by David Ruderman, U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs
Commander of the Kenyan Army, Lt. Gen. Njuki Mwaniki, met with U.S. Army Africa leaders and toured the command’s headquarters in Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 23-25.
In addition to meeting with U.S. Army Africa Commander, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, Mwaniki delivered a presentation on border security issues affecting Kenya and toured some of the installation’s skills training facilities and Battle Command Training Center.
The Kenyan general said he was impressed by the sophisticated training and the working relationships he observed among American soldiers and their leaders.
“I think the relationship between the command and the staff, for example [between the sergeant major and the staff, is a very good example,” he said. “That is one of the highlights that I can pick straight away. That shows you it will be a successful command,” he said.
CSM Hu Rhodes, command sergeants major, USARAF, said visits like this put a personal face to a professional relationship. The command relationship endures changes in personnel; however, a familiar face can make things easier at times.
“All three of the Officers that visited were great, but, in particular, the General was impressive in each opportunity I had to spend time with him,” Rhodes said. “He is a studied leader that readily shares his experiences. I learned a lot, took a lot of notes, and look forward to meeting his NCO's in the near future.”
Mwaniki thinks the military profession is about survival, securing the nation and, in doing so, saving lives.
“That is the bottom line of our profession, therefore, we must be perfect in the task we undertake to secure the nation — there’s no substitute for that,” he said. “You must have the passion to love what you do — it must be in your genes; it must be in you.”
Mwaniki’s visit to Vicenza is another building block in an evolving relationship between the Kenyan Army and U.S. Army Africa, and we need to sustain this relationship.
“There’s really a relationship now between the U.S. and Africa,” he said. “Visits by [Major General] Hogg [to Kenya] and my visit here we are able to share our thoughts that ensure not only that [our] relationship is enhanced, but that we understand each other,” the Kenyan commander said emphatically.
Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, commander, USARAF, said the beauty about having the chief of the Kenyan Army visiting us here in Vicenza is absolutely dramatic.
“He’s very personable and brand new to the job -- we had an opportunity to discuss some of the challenges and issues in Eastern Africa,” Hogg said. “We also talked about potential training, missions, exercises, and of course he had the opportunity to come see how U.S. Army Africa operates on a daily basis and see some of our training devises that we use for our Soldiers here,” the USARAF commander said.
Mwaniki stressed that communication is critical — it makes you understand the other person.
“We want to get as much as possible, to ensure that we secure and make Africa a better place,” Mwaniki said. “Ultimately our problems will be solved by us, but the expediencies of the U.S. in other areas will allow us to solve our problems, and we thank them,” he said.
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica
That's me baking in the late afternoon sun waiting for the ceremonies to commence. I requested my brother to take this picture of me with my iPhone 6+ so that I could put it on my Instagram account. Some of you who follow me on Instagram have already seen this picture. Behind me are the guys whose faces I had stuck my dSLR into to take close up pictures of their faces painted with the Indian tri- color. The one wearing the t-shirt with horizontal stripes is one of them, another is the guy next to him wearing the burgundy shirt. (India-Pakistan border at Wagah, near Amritsar, India, Nov. 2017)
U.S. Army photo by David Ruderman, U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs
Commander of the Kenyan Army, Lt. Gen. Njuki Mwaniki, met with U.S. Army Africa leaders and toured the command’s headquarters in Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 23-25.
In addition to meeting with U.S. Army Africa Commander, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, Mwaniki delivered a presentation on border security issues affecting Kenya and toured some of the installation’s skills training facilities and Battle Command Training Center.
The Kenyan general said he was impressed by the sophisticated training and the working relationships he observed among American soldiers and their leaders.
“I think the relationship between the command and the staff, for example [between the sergeant major and the staff, is a very good example,” he said. “That is one of the highlights that I can pick straight away. That shows you it will be a successful command,” he said.
CSM Hu Rhodes, command sergeants major, USARAF, said visits like this put a personal face to a professional relationship. The command relationship endures changes in personnel; however, a familiar face can make things easier at times.
“All three of the Officers that visited were great, but, in particular, the General was impressive in each opportunity I had to spend time with him,” Rhodes said. “He is a studied leader that readily shares his experiences. I learned a lot, took a lot of notes, and look forward to meeting his NCO's in the near future.”
Mwaniki thinks the military profession is about survival, securing the nation and, in doing so, saving lives.
“That is the bottom line of our profession, therefore, we must be perfect in the task we undertake to secure the nation — there’s no substitute for that,” he said. “You must have the passion to love what you do — it must be in your genes; it must be in you.”
Mwaniki’s visit to Vicenza is another building block in an evolving relationship between the Kenyan Army and U.S. Army Africa, and we need to sustain this relationship.
“There’s really a relationship now between the U.S. and Africa,” he said. “Visits by [Major General] Hogg [to Kenya] and my visit here we are able to share our thoughts that ensure not only that [our] relationship is enhanced, but that we understand each other,” the Kenyan commander said emphatically.
Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, commander, USARAF, said the beauty about having the chief of the Kenyan Army visiting us here in Vicenza is absolutely dramatic.
“He’s very personable and brand new to the job -- we had an opportunity to discuss some of the challenges and issues in Eastern Africa,” Hogg said. “We also talked about potential training, missions, exercises, and of course he had the opportunity to come see how U.S. Army Africa operates on a daily basis and see some of our training devises that we use for our Soldiers here,” the USARAF commander said.
Mwaniki stressed that communication is critical — it makes you understand the other person.
“We want to get as much as possible, to ensure that we secure and make Africa a better place,” Mwaniki said. “Ultimately our problems will be solved by us, but the expediencies of the U.S. in other areas will allow us to solve our problems, and we thank them,” he said.
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica
After a tumultuous first year of the Trump administration, the US-Mexico relationship—arguably the most critical and sensitive bilateral relationship in the Western Hemisphere—has changed significantly. While many of the most pessimistic initial predictions on trade, migration, and other cooperative efforts have not come to pass, most analysts agree that the tone and quality of relations have deteriorated. Uncertainty continues to define the renegotiation talks for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the status of many Mexican immigrants in the United States, and the future of US-Mexico border and security cooperation. Meanwhile, July’s presidential election in Mexico threatens to inject even more upheaval into the relationship. How should the changing dynamics be understood? And what is at stake in the relationship going forward?
El Colegio de México, Tulane University, and the Inter-American Dialogue are pleased to host a high-level conference on the complex and evolving dynamics between the two countries. This US-Mexico forum brings together top tier academic and policy experts from both countries for an open debate on the path forward for the relationship.
U.S. Army photo by David Ruderman, U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs
Commander of the Kenyan Army, Lt. Gen. Njuki Mwaniki, met with U.S. Army Africa leaders and toured the command’s headquarters in Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 23-25.
In addition to meeting with U.S. Army Africa Commander, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, Mwaniki delivered a presentation on border security issues affecting Kenya and toured some of the installation’s skills training facilities and Battle Command Training Center.
The Kenyan general said he was impressed by the sophisticated training and the working relationships he observed among American soldiers and their leaders.
“I think the relationship between the command and the staff, for example [between the sergeant major and the staff, is a very good example,” he said. “That is one of the highlights that I can pick straight away. That shows you it will be a successful command,” he said.
CSM Hu Rhodes, command sergeants major, USARAF, said visits like this put a personal face to a professional relationship. The command relationship endures changes in personnel; however, a familiar face can make things easier at times.
“All three of the Officers that visited were great, but, in particular, the General was impressive in each opportunity I had to spend time with him,” Rhodes said. “He is a studied leader that readily shares his experiences. I learned a lot, took a lot of notes, and look forward to meeting his NCO's in the near future.”
Mwaniki thinks the military profession is about survival, securing the nation and, in doing so, saving lives.
“That is the bottom line of our profession, therefore, we must be perfect in the task we undertake to secure the nation — there’s no substitute for that,” he said. “You must have the passion to love what you do — it must be in your genes; it must be in you.”
Mwaniki’s visit to Vicenza is another building block in an evolving relationship between the Kenyan Army and U.S. Army Africa, and we need to sustain this relationship.
“There’s really a relationship now between the U.S. and Africa,” he said. “Visits by [Major General] Hogg [to Kenya] and my visit here we are able to share our thoughts that ensure not only that [our] relationship is enhanced, but that we understand each other,” the Kenyan commander said emphatically.
Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, commander, USARAF, said the beauty about having the chief of the Kenyan Army visiting us here in Vicenza is absolutely dramatic.
“He’s very personable and brand new to the job -- we had an opportunity to discuss some of the challenges and issues in Eastern Africa,” Hogg said. “We also talked about potential training, missions, exercises, and of course he had the opportunity to come see how U.S. Army Africa operates on a daily basis and see some of our training devises that we use for our Soldiers here,” the USARAF commander said.
Mwaniki stressed that communication is critical — it makes you understand the other person.
“We want to get as much as possible, to ensure that we secure and make Africa a better place,” Mwaniki said. “Ultimately our problems will be solved by us, but the expediencies of the U.S. in other areas will allow us to solve our problems, and we thank them,” he said.
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica
This image is excerpted from a U.S. GAO report:
www.gao.gov/products/GAO-19-305
BORDER SECURITY: DHS Should Improve the Quality of Unlawful Border Entry Information and Other Metric Reporting
This image is excerpted from a U.S. GAO report:
www.gao.gov/products/GAO-17-474
BORDER SECURITY: Additional Actions Could Strengthen DHS Efforts to Address Subterranean, Aerial, and Maritime Smuggling
More people taking selfies at the Pakistan border despite the authorities warning them to move away as this is a high security area. Just a word about Jinnah, who's serious face looks down over the crowds. Jinnah was largely responsible for partitioning the country into India and Pakistan, as he thought he would get a better deal for the Moslems and give his Moslem league a voice. He had unfortunately not factored in Britain's goofing up on the partition by putting an incompetent Radcliffe on the job who ended up dividing homes, families and property. Jinnah had also not factored in the resultant violence during actual partition when riots during the cross migration between Hindus and Moslems led to several millions killed. And the resultant animosity between India and Pakistan was also not what he had bargained for. Jinnah was an atehist to the core, even eating pork despite his being a Moslem. He suffered a lot before his end, and as he was on the verge of death, is said to have actually uttered an Islamic chant, and admitted that the partition was probably one of the biggest blunders of his life. He died the following morning. RIP. (India-Pakistan border at Wagah, near Amritsar, India, Nov. 2017)
U.S. Army photo by David Ruderman, U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs
Commander of the Kenyan Army, Lt. Gen. Njuki Mwaniki, met with U.S. Army Africa leaders and toured the command’s headquarters in Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 23-25.
In addition to meeting with U.S. Army Africa Commander, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, Mwaniki delivered a presentation on border security issues affecting Kenya and toured some of the installation’s skills training facilities and Battle Command Training Center.
The Kenyan general said he was impressed by the sophisticated training and the working relationships he observed among American soldiers and their leaders.
“I think the relationship between the command and the staff, for example [between the sergeant major and the staff, is a very good example,” he said. “That is one of the highlights that I can pick straight away. That shows you it will be a successful command,” he said.
CSM Hu Rhodes, command sergeants major, USARAF, said visits like this put a personal face to a professional relationship. The command relationship endures changes in personnel; however, a familiar face can make things easier at times.
“All three of the Officers that visited were great, but, in particular, the General was impressive in each opportunity I had to spend time with him,” Rhodes said. “He is a studied leader that readily shares his experiences. I learned a lot, took a lot of notes, and look forward to meeting his NCO's in the near future.”
Mwaniki thinks the military profession is about survival, securing the nation and, in doing so, saving lives.
“That is the bottom line of our profession, therefore, we must be perfect in the task we undertake to secure the nation — there’s no substitute for that,” he said. “You must have the passion to love what you do — it must be in your genes; it must be in you.”
Mwaniki’s visit to Vicenza is another building block in an evolving relationship between the Kenyan Army and U.S. Army Africa, and we need to sustain this relationship.
“There’s really a relationship now between the U.S. and Africa,” he said. “Visits by [Major General] Hogg [to Kenya] and my visit here we are able to share our thoughts that ensure not only that [our] relationship is enhanced, but that we understand each other,” the Kenyan commander said emphatically.
Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, commander, USARAF, said the beauty about having the chief of the Kenyan Army visiting us here in Vicenza is absolutely dramatic.
“He’s very personable and brand new to the job -- we had an opportunity to discuss some of the challenges and issues in Eastern Africa,” Hogg said. “We also talked about potential training, missions, exercises, and of course he had the opportunity to come see how U.S. Army Africa operates on a daily basis and see some of our training devises that we use for our Soldiers here,” the USARAF commander said.
Mwaniki stressed that communication is critical — it makes you understand the other person.
“We want to get as much as possible, to ensure that we secure and make Africa a better place,” Mwaniki said. “Ultimately our problems will be solved by us, but the expediencies of the U.S. in other areas will allow us to solve our problems, and we thank them,” he said.
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica
U.S. Army photo by David Ruderman, U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs
Commander of the Kenyan Army, Lt. Gen. Njuki Mwaniki, met with U.S. Army Africa leaders and toured the command’s headquarters in Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 23-25.
In addition to meeting with U.S. Army Africa Commander, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, Mwaniki delivered a presentation on border security issues affecting Kenya and toured some of the installation’s skills training facilities and Battle Command Training Center.
The Kenyan general said he was impressed by the sophisticated training and the working relationships he observed among American soldiers and their leaders.
“I think the relationship between the command and the staff, for example [between the sergeant major and the staff, is a very good example,” he said. “That is one of the highlights that I can pick straight away. That shows you it will be a successful command,” he said.
CSM Hu Rhodes, command sergeants major, USARAF, said visits like this put a personal face to a professional relationship. The command relationship endures changes in personnel; however, a familiar face can make things easier at times.
“All three of the Officers that visited were great, but, in particular, the General was impressive in each opportunity I had to spend time with him,” Rhodes said. “He is a studied leader that readily shares his experiences. I learned a lot, took a lot of notes, and look forward to meeting his NCO's in the near future.”
Mwaniki thinks the military profession is about survival, securing the nation and, in doing so, saving lives.
“That is the bottom line of our profession, therefore, we must be perfect in the task we undertake to secure the nation — there’s no substitute for that,” he said. “You must have the passion to love what you do — it must be in your genes; it must be in you.”
Mwaniki’s visit to Vicenza is another building block in an evolving relationship between the Kenyan Army and U.S. Army Africa, and we need to sustain this relationship.
“There’s really a relationship now between the U.S. and Africa,” he said. “Visits by [Major General] Hogg [to Kenya] and my visit here we are able to share our thoughts that ensure not only that [our] relationship is enhanced, but that we understand each other,” the Kenyan commander said emphatically.
Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, commander, USARAF, said the beauty about having the chief of the Kenyan Army visiting us here in Vicenza is absolutely dramatic.
“He’s very personable and brand new to the job -- we had an opportunity to discuss some of the challenges and issues in Eastern Africa,” Hogg said. “We also talked about potential training, missions, exercises, and of course he had the opportunity to come see how U.S. Army Africa operates on a daily basis and see some of our training devises that we use for our Soldiers here,” the USARAF commander said.
Mwaniki stressed that communication is critical — it makes you understand the other person.
“We want to get as much as possible, to ensure that we secure and make Africa a better place,” Mwaniki said. “Ultimately our problems will be solved by us, but the expediencies of the U.S. in other areas will allow us to solve our problems, and we thank them,” he said.
To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil
Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica
Official Vimeo video channel: www.vimeo.com/usarmyafrica
Djiboutian Army 2nd Company 1st Rapid Action Regiment, 2nd Lt. Omar Ali, 2nd Company commander, forms up his soldiers during a training course held in Ali Oune, Djibouti, Feb 2, 2011.
Photo by Master Sgt. Dawn M. Price
ALI OUNE, Djibouti– Under an overcast sky, nearly 200 members of the Djiboutian Army’s elite 1st Rapid Action Regiment honed their infantry skills, mentored by members of the U.S. Army National Guard’s 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment.
The training included instruction on squad movements, convoy operations, contact drills, camp security and marksmanship, and was part of a one-month course which began Jan. 16 and culminated with a graduation Feb. 10. The instruction included mortar crew training and a combat engineering course, according to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nelson Perkins, mission commander and member of Charlie Company.
“Our mission here is to mentor the Djiboutian military as they prepare for upcoming missions. We’re trying to help them so they are capable of preventing conflict, establishing regional stability, and protecting coalition interests here,” said Staff Sgt. Travis Elder, an infantry squad leader with the 137th, who is a sheriff’s deputy in his hometown located near Topeka, Kan.
“My team and I are out here mentoring the soldiers and helping them along, basically giving them more tools for their toolbox. We’re showing them things that have helped us get through certain operations, and we want to help them so they can get through their future missions without any problem,” he said.
One of the biggest challenges the instructors faced was the language barrier due to few Djiboutian soldiers speaking English, according to Sgt. Jonathan Moyer, a team member with Echo Company. Instructors relied heavily on 2nd Lt. Omar Ali, Djibouti Army 2nd Company commander, who is fluent in four languages, and Mohamed Said, a Somali-born U.S. Army interpreter.
Throughout the morning, the small groups practiced team movements, and communicated contact and direction of fire. Loud whistle bursts signified enemy contact, and the Djiboutian soldiers moved succinctly, went into the prone position and assumed their staggered firing positions.
The regiment, which was established in 1991 and is comprised of a number of 20-year combat veterans, is the first unit in the Djiboutian Army called to deploy during a contingency, according to Ali. The regiment also provides border security on the Somaliland border located approximately seven miles from the camp.
“The goal for my soldiers is to prepare them for their mission and especially for a deployment under the United Nations, like they did in Haiti and Central Africa,” Ali said, who has been in the army since 2001. He attended an officer’s course with Germany’s mountain troops from 2004-2008 and will soon attend the Infantry Career Captain’s Course at Fort Benning, Ga.
According to Ali, the training is part of a continuation of training that began in September 2010 that included effective methods of instruction, commander operation skills course, a command post exercise, and company grade and noncommissioned officer courses.
Just one month ago, the newly-formed training camp consisted of just six concrete pads. Today the camp consists of about 12 tents, a mosque and a large covered classroom area.
“Camp Ali Oune is actually the first of its kind. The Djiboutians don’t have any bases here on the Somali border, and this camp is supposed to be here for quite a while. They will be utilizing the camp as a training area and for continuing operations to keep this region safe,” he said.
About two miles away in the shadow of a steep hill, other members of the Rapid Action Regiment sharpened their marksmanship skills using the Russian PKM 7.62-mm machine gun, which is the equivalent of the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon. Automatic gunfire and the ricochet of rounds echoed from the large rock-covered hill as each two-man team practiced firing in staccato bursts of three and five rounds.
“Very well done,” one of the instructors exclaimed after seeing a bullseye on the target of one team.
Ali said the training and mentoring provided by the 137th is beneficial because the cadre of instructors bring real-world operational experience.
“We already had a good relationship with the U.S. Army, and I have to say it’s a good thing and we have a good image of the U.S. Army,” Ali said.
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The border closing ceremonies at the Wagah border between India and Pakistan kick off with school kids running up to the border with national flags. There were quite a few of them, dressed in white uniforms, and I found a majority of them to be girls. These are the warming up activities before the army run ceremonies commence. This is a good way for India to reinforce love for the motherland and to express solidarity with the country by encouraging school children, families and interested members of the public to run a relay upto the Pakistan border carrying the national flag. Much later, when the actual festivities started in right earnest, there was a cheer leader who led the festivities and was encouraging the entire crowd to chant 'Vande Mataram', which is standard chant in India to express solidarity with the nation. The words roughly translate as 'Mother, I bow before you'. ('mother' meaning motherland). (India-Pakistan border at Wagah, near Amritsar, India, Nov. 2017)