Brigidier General Indrek Sirel, Director Joint LIVEX Coordination Element, addresses the assembled troops at the Opening Ceremony for Ex STEADFAST JAZZ at the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, on Nov. 3, 2013.

Exercise Steadfast Jazz 2013 is taking place from 1-9 November in a number of Alliance nations including the Baltic States and Poland. The purpose of the exercise is to train and test the NATO Response Force, a highly ready and technologically advanced multinational force made up of land, air, maritime and special forces components that the Alliance can deploy quickly wherever needed. The Steadfast series of exercises are part of NATO’s efforts to maintain connected and interoperable forces at a high-level of readiness.

(NATO photo/SSgt Ian Houlding GBR Army)

South African Soldiers and U.S. Army jumpmasters prepare for takeoff inside the C-130J aircraft as part of a partnership jump over the Mimosa Flat Drop Zone, South Africa, July 23. The jump was in preparation for an exercise that South African and U.S. Soldiers will conduct jointly during Shared Accord 13. Shared Accord is a biennial training exercise which promotes regional relationships, increases capacity, trains U.S. and South African forces, and furthers cross-training and interoperability. The jump will also earn each Soldier a pair of foreign wings for either jumping in a foreign country or jumping with a foreign country’s jumpmasters. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Spc. Taryn Hagerman)

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Burkina Faso soldiers demonstrate how to properly extract a detainee from a crowd during a riot management class given by Military Police Company A, 4th Law Enforcement Battion, 4th Force Headquarters Group June 20. The Military Police Company trained soldiers from different nations in various crowd control techniques and procedures. Western Accord 14 is a U.S. Africa Command-sponsored, U.S. Army Africa-hosted annual joint training partnership exercise between the U.S., the Economic Community of West African States and partner nations. The exercise, held in Senegal this year, is designed to increase interoperability between military forces and ensure the common ability to conduct peace operations throughout western Africa. (U.S. Army Africa photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. V. Michelle Woods)

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Greek and U.S. security forces conducted an interagency training exercise December 2018, highlighting both the increased volume of training and strong relationship between the two NATO Allies. The training consisted of bilateral counterterrorism training to enhance capacity, capability, and interoperability amongst participants. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alexis Washburn)

SWIDWIN AIR BASE, Poland -- Paratroopers from U.S. Army Europe's 173rd Airborne Brigade march in formation with their partners from the Polish Army's 6th Airborne Brigade, April 23, 2014, in commemoration of the start of a training rotation with Polish forces. The 173rd paratroopers deployed for training in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, exercises dedicated to demonstrating commitment to NATO obligations and sustaining interoperability with allied forces. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. A.M. LaVey)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Christophe D. Madison, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Task Force Koa Moana (TF KM) 20, I Marine Expeditionary Force, is tested for COVID-19 at the port of Malakal, Republic of Palau, July 22, 2020. Marines and Sailors with TF KM20, I MEF, are conducting engagements in the Republic of Palau from July through September 2020. Koa Moana, meaning “ocean warrior,” is designed to strengthen and enhance relationships between the U.S. and partner nations/states in the Indo-Pacific region, improve interoperability with local security establishments, and serve as a Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team afloat in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s strategic and operational objectives. TF KM20 provides a unique opportunity to enhance relationships in the Republic of Palau. The Koa Moana task force has taken extensive measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The health and safety of U.S. service members and Palauan citizens participating in TF KM20 is an enduring priority. Prior to deploying, all exercise members participated in a three-week quarantine. After arriving in Palau, the Marines and Sailors remain quarantined for an additional 14 days. To date, all members deployed as part of TF KM20 tested negative for COVID-19. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Stephanie Cervantes)

A Ukrainian soldier poses with U.S. Army ROTC cadets during a Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency Program trip to Rapid Trident 2012 held at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv, Ukraine, July 18. Rapid Trident is a multinational exercise held at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv, Ukraine. It is designed to promote regional stability and security, strengthen international military partnering and foster trust while improving interoperability between participating nations.(Photo by Lt. Col. Taras Gren, Ukrainian Army Public Affairs)(Photo by Lt. Col. Taras Gren, Ukrainian Army Public Affairs)

YAVORIV, Ukraine -- Ukrainian pararescue soldiers evacuate a casualty July 15 during a demonstration at Exercise Rapid Trident. Rapid Trident 2013 is a U.S. Army Europe-led, multinational field training and command post exercise occurring at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv, Ukraine July 8-19 that involves approximately 1,300 troops from 17 nations. The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability between forces and promote regional stability and security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel Cole)

U.S. Embassy Lilongwe Charge de Affairs, Mr. Craig Anderson (left), and Malawi Defence Force Commander, Gen. Marko Chiziko (right), unveil the official exercise banner during MEDREACH 11, a joint humanitarian assistance exercise.

Photo by Sgt. Jesse Houk, 139th MPAD, Illinois Army National Guard

Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and U.S. military service members officially kicked-off exercise MEDREACH 11 with an opening ceremony May 3 at the Kamuzu Barracks.

The program brought the MDF shoulder to shoulder with the United States military in a symbolic display of the unity that has been created between the two forces.

Looking out at the joint formation of approximately 300 MDF and U.S. forces, Malawi Defence Force Commander Gen. Marko Chiziko said he appreciates the differences between the MDF and U.S. military and looks forward to the great exchange of information between the personnel working together in MEDREACH 11.

“Both the U.S. Military and the MDF are renowned for their professionalism and for being accountable to their citizens,” said Chiziko. “This exercise is one of the positive steps to that noble goal and I wish to put that on the record.”

MEDREACH 11 is a joint effort between the Malawi Defence Force and the United States military with an immediate focus on medical outreach to Malawi civilians, but an even greater focus on fostering a long-term relationship with the people of Malawi. It is expected that both the MDF and the U.S. Armed Forces, consisting of U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force components, will learn valuable lessons from one another.

“This day is the culmination of over a year and a half of discussions and planning by the Malawi Defence Force and the U.S. Africa Command,” said Craig Anderson, U.S. acting deputy ambassador to Malawi. “I am very happy and very honored to be here today.”

Expressing his pride in working the Malawi Defence Force and colleagues from the United States Department of Defense, Anderson directed his attention to the nearly 100 U.S. Soldiers and Airmen that traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to be a part of MEDREACH 11.

“That you are willing to do this is a testament to two of the attributes that mark us as Americans; the wiliness to help others and to stand by our friends,” Anderson said. “The MDF is one of our finest partners on this continent. They deserve our best effort. I know that you will do everything possible to bring the highest credit upon yourselves and the United States of America during your time here in Malawi.”

As Anderson and Chiziko marched onto the field and unfurled the exercise banner, Pfc. Chris M. Bakeman, a Fridley, Minn. native stood in formation eagerly awaiting the days ahead in the exercise.

“I am very excited to team up with the Malawi Defence Force,” said Bakeman, a 21-year-old human resource specialist currently serving with the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB), the unit responsible for command and control of U.S. MEDREACH 11 participants.

Based in Chicago, the 404th MEB is responsible for providing logistical and operational support for all units supporting MEDREACH 11. The exercise is its first command and control mission under U.S. Army Africa, the Army Service Component Command that oversees and coordinates U.S. Army activities in Africa.

“I think some may come in with the idea that they are going to teach the Malawi Defence Force, but I think that’s going to end up being entirely opposite,” Bakeman said. “We are going to learn so much just by going back and forth with each other. I certainly hope that we will teach them many things, but they can teach us many things about their culture and how they do things as well.”

Anderson said that while MEDREACH 11 is only officially 16 days in total, the connection and relationships built on the exercise will become a catalyst for future partnership between the Malawi Defense Force and the United States military.

“The people of Malawi are some of our staunchest friends,” Anderson said. “Training exercises like MEDREACH 11 are excellent examples of the cooperation possible between our two militaries and our two nations as we work for a more peaceful, stable and prosperous world.”

MEDREACH, a key program in the United States’ efforts to partner with the Government of Malawi, is the latest in a series of exercises involving U.S. military forces and African partner militaries with the aim of establishing and developing military interoperability, regional relationships, synchronization of effort and capacity-building. The goal of MEDREACH 11 is to enhance U.S. and Malawi Defence Forces capabilities to work together and to increase the combined readiness of their medical forces to respond to humanitarian emergencies.

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

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Musicians perform traditional music of the Shai people July 17 during a presentation at Dodowa Forest, Ghana for the U.S. participants of MEDFLAG 11. The bilateral MEDFLAG 11 strengthens the relationship and interoperability between the U.S. and Ghana military forces through 10 days of collaborative training and sharing of medical expertise, as well as joint humanitarian civic assistance in local communities.

Photo by Spc. Jess Raasch, 116th Public Affairs Detachment, U.S. Army National Guard

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Maj. Gen. John Gronski, U.S. Army Europe’s deputy commanding general for National Guard, spoke to U.S. Soldiers after the Rapid Trident 2018 closing ceremony, Sept. 14. Rapid Trident is an annual exercise that builds military interoperability through establishing professional relationships and sharing shoulder-to-shoulder experiences. (US Army photo by Lacey Justinger, 7th Army Training Command)

Ghanaian troops practice individual squad movements with Attack Company, 1st Battalion, 28 Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division during Exercise Western Accord 14, June 17. Exercise Western Accord 14 is U.S. Africa Command sponsored, U.S. Army Africa hosted a partnership exercise between the United States and Economic Community of Western African States, which is designed to increase interoperability between military forces and ensure the common ability to conduct peace operations throughout Western Africa. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Sgt. William Gore)

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YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, TOKYO, Japan (June 16, 2022) - Delegation leaders observe a demonstration aboard JDS Osumi (LST-4001), as part of the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium 2022, Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, June 16, 2022. This iteration of PALS brought senior leaders of allied and partnered militaries together to discuss amphibious force readiness, expeditionary advanced base operations, intermediate force capabilities, and ways to improve interoperability between partners within the Indo-Pacific region. A total of 18 participating delegations from Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, and North America participated in the symposium. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Haley Fourmet Gustavsen) 220616-M-GI936-1901

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Pfc. Nicholas Pianalto, 1st Squadron (Stryker), 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, takes instruction from the range Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge prior to throwing a hand grenade during familiarization training at an Estonian military training area near Tapa, Estonia, Oct. 24, 2014. The U.S. Army Europe-led Atlantic Resolve, a multinational combined arms exercise involving the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and host nations, takes place across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to enhance multinational interoperability, to strengthen relationships among allied militaries, to contribute to regional stability and to demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by 1st Lt. Jeffrey Rivard)

U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Raid Force climb a caving ladder during maritime interoperability training off the coast of Santa Barbara, Calif., Jan. 16, 2015. MIT prepares the MRF for their upcoming deployment by enhancing their combat skills, and teaching them techniques for boarding vessels. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 1st Lt. Allison Burgos/Released)

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Cpl. Michael E. Monk fires a M40 A5 bolt action sniper rifle down range as part of an unknown distance qualification range August 18 at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, during Exercise Koolendong 14. The range focused on increasing scout sniper's long range precision firing capabilities. The Marines challenged themselves with the M40 A5, M110 SASS and the M107 SASR. The Marines are with Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and are currently deployed in part of the Marine Rotational Force Darwin. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines affords an unprecedented combined training opportunity with our Australian allies, and improves interoperability with our forces. Monk, a Palmdale, California native, is a rifleman assigned to Scout Sniper Platoon. (Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./ Released)

Brigadier General Andrzej Tuz (centre), Exercise STEADFAST JAZZ 2013 Exercise Director, being interviewed by the SHAPE Imagery Section at the start of the exercise on the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, Nov. 2, 2013.

Exercise Steadfast Jazz 2013 is taking place from 1-9 November in a number of Alliance nations including the Baltic States and Poland. The purpose of the exercise is to train and test the NATO Response Force, a highly ready and technologically advanced multinational force made up of land, air, maritime and special forces components that the Alliance can deploy quickly wherever needed. The Steadfast series of exercises are part of NATO’s efforts to maintain connected and interoperable forces at a high-level of readiness.

(NATO photo/SSgt Ian Houlding GBR Army)

Latvian Army soldiers move to contact during exercise Saber Junction 15 at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, April 23, 2015. Saber Junction 15 prepares NATO and partner nation forces for offensive, defensive, and stability operations and promotes interoperability among participants. Saber Junction 15 has more than 4,700 participants from 17 countries, to include: Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey and the U.S. More at www.eur.army.mil/SaberJunction. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Markus Rauchenberger/Released)

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines (July 29, 2021) - U.S. service members and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) walk together following a Pacific Partnership 21 medical demonstration. Pacific Partnership, now in its 16th iteration, brings nations together to prepare during calm periods to effectively respond in times of crisis. Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ryan Brown) 210729-N-KP799-4561

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Lance Cpl. Mina S. Gadelkarim engages upon targets using a M107 .50 Caliber Special Application Scoped Rifle as part of an unknown distance qualification range August 18 at Bradshaw Field Training Area, Northern Territory, Australia, during Exercise Koolendong 14. The range focused on increasing scout sniper's long range precision firing capabilities. The Marines challenged themselves with the M40 A5, M110 SASS and the M107 SASR. The SASR is used as an anti-material weapon, which can shoot effectively from up to 1,000 meters away. Marines are with Scout Sniper Platoon, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and are currently deployed in part of the Marine Rotational Force Darwin. The rotational deployment of U.S. Marines affords an unprecedented combined training opportunity with their Australian allies, and improves interoperability with their forces. Gadelkarim, a Campbell, Texas native, is a rifleman assigned to the platoon. (Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./ Released)

As part of Exercise Saber Junction 14, Bulgarian soldiers attacked and cleared a village against opposing forces of 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment Soldiers Aug. 30 at Hohenfels Training Area. Exercise Saber Junction 2014 includes participants from the U.S., NATO allies and European security partners, conducting unified land operations at the 7th Army's Joint Multinational Training Command's Hohenfels Training Area. The exercise trains units in the simultaneous combination of offensive, defensive and stability operations while improving international interoperability, commitment to NATO and allied nations and strategic access to critical areas within the European Command's area of responsibility. More information about Saber Junction 2014 can be found at www.eur.army.mil/SaberJunction/ (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christina Dion/Released)

2nd Lt. Preston Button of Baltimore, Md., gets advice from his observer controller Staff Sgt. Michael Santurri of Cranston, Rhode Island, after the 500th Engineer Company, 15th Engineer Battalion, 18th Engineer Brigade, came into contact with the opposition forces of 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry while convoying on Hohenfels Training Area Sept. 4. Exercise Saber Junction 2014 includes participants from the U.S., NATO allies and European security partners, conducting unified land operations at the 7th Army's Joint Multinational Training Command's Hohenfels Training Area. The exercise trains units in the simultaneous combination of offensive, defensive and stability operations while improving international interoperability, commitment to NATO and allied nations and strategic access to critical areas within the European Command's area of responsibility. More information about Saber Junction 2014 can be found at www.eur.army.mil/SaberJunction/ (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christina M. Dion/Released)

A Soldier from Attack Company, 1st Battalion, 28 Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division shakes hands with a Burkina Faso soldier after receiving instructions on personnel searching and traffic control point procedures during Exercise Western Accord 14, June 17. Exercise Western Accord 14 is U.S. Africa Command sponsored, U.S. Army Africa hosted a partnership exercise between the United States and Economic Community of Western African States, which is designed to increase interoperability between military forces and ensure the common ability to conduct peace operations throughout Western Africa. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Sgt. William Gore)

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Paratroopers from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment of Fort Bragg, N.C., complete a tactical ruck march after an exercise for Shared Accord 13 at Bulembo, South Africa, July 28. Shared Accord is a biennial training exercise which promotes regional relationships, increases capacity, trains U.S. and South African forces, and furthers cross-training and interoperability. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Spc. Taryn Hagerman)

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Crew from the Czech Republic prepare their L-159 Alca during the first day of the air portion of Ex Steadfast Jazz at 31st Air Tactical Base, Poznan, Poland, on Nov. 5, 2013.

Exercise Steadfast Jazz 2013 is taking place from 1-9 November in a number of Alliance nations including the Baltic States and Poland. The purpose of the exercise is to train and test the NATO Response Force, a highly ready and technologically advanced multinational force made up of land, air, maritime and special forces components that the Alliance can deploy quickly wherever needed. The Steadfast series of exercises are part of NATO’s efforts to maintain connected and interoperable forces at a high-level of readiness.

(NATO photo/SSgt Ian Houlding GBR Army)

Lithuanian army opposing forces faced a fierce defense as they attacked Camp West from Kittensee Village at Hohenfels Training Area Sept. 6. Exercise Saber Junction 2014 includes participants from the U.S., NATO allies and European security partners, conducting unified land operations at the 7th Army's Joint Multinational Training Command's Hohenfels Training Area. The exercise trains units in the simultaneous combination of offensive, defensive and stability operations while improving international interoperability, commitment to NATO and allied nations and strategic access to critical areas within the European Command's area of responsibility. More information about Saber Junction 2014 can be found at www.eur.army.mil/SaberJunction/ (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christina M. Dion/Released)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment (Attack Reconnaissance), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade off-load a CH-47 Chinook helicopter while conducting cold load training during exercise Saber Junction 15 at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, April 11, 2015. Saber Junction 15 prepares NATO and partner nation forces for offensive, defensive and stability operations and promotes interoperability among participants. Saber Junction 15 has more than 4,700 participants from 17 countries, to include: Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey and the U.S. More at www.eur.army.mil/SaberJunction. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Shardesia Washington/Released)

YAVORIV, Ukraine -- Master Sgt. Christopher Lopez (bottom left) and Lt. Col. Stanley Zezotarski (second from the right top) from the California National Guard pose for a photo July 13 with Ukrainian, Polish and Norwegian soldiers during Exercise Rapid Trident 2013 here. Rapid Trident 2013 is a U.S. Army Europe-led, multinational field training and command post exercise occurring at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv, Ukraine July 8-19 that involves approximately 1,300 troops from 17 nations. The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability between forces and promote regional stability and security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel Cole)

Spc. Tyler Wisely, 1st Squadron (Stryker), 2nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, enters the hand grenade pit at an Estonian military training area near Tapa, Estonia, Oct. 24, 2014. Soldiers are conducting training that is not always possible while at their home station. The U.S. Army Europe-led Atlantic Resolve, a multinational combined arms exercise involving the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and host nations, takes place across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to enhance multinational interoperability, to strengthen relationships among allied militaries, to contribute to regional stability and to demonstrate U.S. commitment to NATO. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by 1st Lt. Jeffrey Rivard)

Philippines (Oct. 2, 2022) - Philippine Marines board a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during KAMANDAG 6, in San Vicente, Philippines, Oct. 2, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military, designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart) 221002-M-EJ408-1226

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Brigadier General Andrzej Tuz (right), Exercise STEADFAST JAZZ 2013 Exercise Director, marches past the assemble troops during the Opening Ceremony for Ex STEADFAST JAZZ on the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, on Nov. 3, 2013.

Exercise Steadfast Jazz 2013 is taking place from 1-9 November in a number of Alliance nations including the Baltic States and Poland. The purpose of the exercise is to train and test the NATO Response Force, a highly ready and technologically advanced multinational force made up of land, air, maritime and special forces components that the Alliance can deploy quickly wherever needed. The Steadfast series of exercises are part of NATO’s efforts to maintain connected and interoperable forces at a high-level of readiness.

(NATO photo/SSgt Ian Houlding GBR Army)

AMBERG, Germany -- U.S. Army Europe Soldiers, assigned to 2nd Cavalry Regiment, drive their convoy of Stryker vehicles, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, better known as the HMMWVs, and Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks, known as HEMTTs, safely along the Autobahn A-6 during Saber Junction 2012 in the German Oberpfalz in the state of Bavaria on Oct. 26. The U.S. Army Europe's exercise Saber Junction trains U.S. personnel and 1800 multinational partners from 18 nations ensuring multinational interoperability and an agile, ready coalition force.

(U.S. Army photo by Michael Beaton, JMTC Public Affairs/Released)

Capt. Jedmund Greene, 21st Theater Support Command, 16th Sustainment Brigade, based in Kaiserslautern, Germany, talks with a Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) logistician before loading palletized material during a hands-on segment of Uganda ADAPT 2010, a mentoring program conducted in Entebbe, Uganda, that resulted in certifying 25 soldiers as C-130 aircraft load planners.

U.S. Army photo by Gordon Christensen

A U.S. Army Africa (USARAF) organized Africa Deployment Assistance Partnership Team (ADAPT) recently trained, and for the first time ever, certified 25 soldiers of the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) as C-130 aircraft load planners in Entebbe, Uganda.

A five-person team, led by Gordon Christensen of Army Africa’s G-4 Mobility Division, completed Phase III training with UPDF soldiers Aug. 27 in Entebbe, Uganda, said John Hanson, chief of the G-4 Policy and Programs Branch.

“This was the first actual air load certification we’ve done, of all the previous ADAPT engagements,” Hanson said. “That’s what makes it unique.”

Two weeks of classroom instruction and hands-on training enabled 25 of 31 students to earn U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command Form 9 certification, significantly augmenting the Uganda land force’s air deployment capability, while developing greater interoperability with U.S. military forces, Hanson said.

The ADAPT program, developed to enhance the force projection capabilities of African militaries, is managed by the USARAF G-4 staff. Its aim is to bridge the gap between limited deployment capacity and the need to provide forces in support of peacekeeping or humanitarian relief operations, Hanson said.

“We’re building capacity for people to deploy, to do their own missions,” he said.

Even when the training doesn’t lead to actual U.S. Air Force certification, as it did this time in Uganda, it contributes to an enhanced deployment capacity for the land force involved, Hanson said.

“That’s the intent. They can’t do the certification, but they can continue to train their own people. Then we back off and they continue to do that,” he said.

The program is a Title 22 tactical logistics engagement funded by the U.S. Department of State, and focuses on African countries that contribute troops to peacekeeping operations, Hanson said.

Training is executed in four installments in order to create a long-term, phased approach to building deployment capacity, Hanson said. Instructors take students from a general orientation to tactical deployment principles to an advanced level of practical proficiency.

Instructors for the UPDF course were sourced using the Request For Forces (RFF) process, Hanson said.

Christensen was accompanied U.S. Army Capt. Jedmund Greene of 21st Theater Support Command’s 16th Sustainment Brigade, based in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and three Air Force noncommissioned officers: Tech. Sgt. Venus Washington, Robbins Air Force Base, Ga.; Tech. Sgt. Byran Quinn, Pope Air Force Base, N.C.; and Senior Master Sgt. Anthony D. Tate of the Illinois Air National Guard.

“The training helped to strengthen the relationship with our Ugandan partners, and also helped them build a self-sustaining deployment capacity,” Greene said. “I hope 21st TSC can increase its support to USARAF logistics theater security cooperation events in the future.”

Army Africa’s G-4 staff is presently working to synchronize ADAPT with the Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) program. A proof of concept joint training was conducted with ACOTA in Rwanda earlier this year, combining tactical- and support-staff training in logistics with the more complex operational techniques of force deployment and mobility, Hanson said.

The Rwanda training demonstrated the feasibility of combining available U.S. government resources to achieve the most efficient and focused effort to advance common foreign policy objectives with U.S. partners in Africa, he said.

To date, ADAPT missions have been funded for eight African countries. Previous training sessions have been conducted in Rwanda, Ghana and Burkina Faso as well as Uganda, and the number is likely to grow in coming years, Hanson said.

“The programs were identified as being of interest to several other countries during the Army Africa Theater Army Security Cooperation Conference, held in Vicenza in August,” Hanson said.

The next planned ADAPT mission is for Phase I training in Botswana, scheduled for the first quarter of 2011, he said.

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

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U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment (Attack Reconnaissance), 12th Combat Aviation Brigade and Moldovan soldiers load a CH-47 Chinook helicopter while conducting cold load training during exercise Saber Junction 15 at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, April 11, 2015. Saber Junction 15 prepares NATO and partner nation forces for offensive, defensive and stability operations and promotes interoperability among participants. Saber Junction 15 has more than 4,700 participants from 17 countries, to include: Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey and the U.S. More at www.eur.army.mil/SaberJunction. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Shardesia Washington/Released)

U.S. Army Spc. Jeffery Gill, left, and Pfc. Aaron Beckman of Comanche Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment observe mortar impacts while conducting a walk and shoot during exercise Saber Junction 15 at the U.S. Armyâs Joint Multinational Training Command in Grafenwoehr, Germany, April 24, 2015. Saber Junction 15 prepares NATO and partner nation forces for offensive, defensive, and stability operations and promotes interoperability among participants. Saber Junction 15 has more than 4,700 participants from 17 countries, to include: Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey, and the U.S. More at www.army.mil/article/147329. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. John Cress Jr./Not Reviewed)

A Ghanaian soldier pulls security with a Marine from 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, June 19, during exercise Western Accord 14 near Camp Thies, Senegal. Marines trained soldiers from different nations in various techniques and procedures for searching and detaining internally displaced personnel. Western Accord 14 is a U.S. Africa Command-sponsored, U.S. Army Africa-hosted annual joint training partnership exercise between the United States, the Economic Community of West African States and partner nations. The exercise is designed to increase interoperability between military forces and ensure the common ability to conduct peace operations throughout western Africa. (U.S. Army Africa photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. V. Michelle Woods)

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A role player looks on as soldiers from Burkina Faso, Senegal and the U.S. Army approach a mock village during a situational training exercise during Exercise Western Accord 14, June 24. Exercise Western Accord 14 is a U.S. Africa Command-sponsored, U.S. Army Africa-hosted annual joint training and partnership exercise between the U.S. and Economic Community of West Africa States, which is designed to increase interoperability between military forces and ensure the common ability to conduct peace operations throughout Western Africa. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Sgt. William Gore)

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A Ukrainian cadet talks with U.S. Army ROTC cadets during a Cultural Understanding and Language Proficiency Program trip to Rapid Trident 2012 held at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv, Ukraine, July 18. Rapid Trident is a multinational exercise held at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv, Ukraine. It is designed to promote regional stability and security, strengthen international military partnering and foster trust while improving interoperability between participating nations.(Photo by Lt. Col. Taras Gren, Ukrainian Army Public Affairs)

M3 Bradley fighting vehicles of Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment arrive at the demonstration field before the opening ceremony of exercise Letzlingen Freedom Shock at the German Army Combat Training Center in Letzlingen, Germany, April 22, 2015. Exercise Letzlingen Freedom Shock demonstrates interoperability between the German and American training organizations while highlighting U.S. Army Europe's rapid deployment capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ian Schell/Not Reviewed)

Soldiers lower the flags of participants in the multinational engineer exercise Interdict 12 during the event's closing ceremonyin Spain, Nov. 1. The exercise hosted by the Spanish engineers was designed to foster and enhance interoperability and skills among engineer units practicing counter-improvised explosive device operations using a scenario that mirrored combat in Afghanistan. (Photo by Lt. Col. Wayne Marotto)

170808-N-OX430-040 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 8, 2017) The Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) transits alongside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during exercise Saxon Warrior 2017, Aug. 8. Saxon Warrior is a United States and United Kingdom co-hosted carrier strike group exercise that demonstrates interoperability and capability to respond to crises and deter potential threats. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Gaither/Released)

Belgian Army soldiers conduct a reconnaissance and surveillance mission during exercise Saber Junction 15 at the U.S. Army’s Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, April 23, 2015. Saber Junction 15 prepares NATO and partner nation forces for offensive, defensive, and stability operations and promotes interoperability among participants. Saber Junction 15 has more than 4,700 participants from 17 countries, to include: Albania, Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey and the U.S. (U.S. Army photo by Visual Information Specialist Markus Rauchenberger/Released)

U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unitâs Maritime Raid Force disembark the USS Anchorage (LPD 23) on combat rubber raiding craft at sea Jan. 25, 2014. The 15th MEU was embarked aboard the three ships of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group - the USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Anchorage (LPD 23), and USS Rushmore â from Jan. 22-25, to familiarize themselves with the ships as they continue to prepare for their upcoming deployment this spring. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Anna Albrecht/Released)

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Battle Group Poland U.S. Soldiers practice a variety of combat casualty care tasks such as how to control bleeding, treat fractures and evacuate casualties using various buddy-carrying and litter techniques near the Bemowo Piskie Training Area during Saber Strike 17 June 9, 2017. Saber Strike 17 is a U.S. Army Europe-led multinational combined forces exercise conducted annually to enhance the NATO alliance throughout the Baltic region and Poland. This year’s exercise includes integrated and synchronized deterrence-oriented training designed to improve interoperability and readiness of the 20 participating nations’ militaries. (U.S. Army photo by Charles Rosemond, Training Support Team Orzysz)

After walking about 3 kilometers through forests, Paratroopers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, made their way from the air assault infiltration location and tactically moved on foot through thick vegetation. Their objective was to conduct a deliberate attack on the military operations on an urban terrain site known as Haaslat Village at Hohenfels Training Area Aug. 28. Exercise Saber Junction 2014 includes participants from the U.S., NATO allies and European security partners, conducting unified land operations at the 7th Army's Joint Multinational Training Command's Hohenfels Training Area. The exercise trains units in the simultaneous combination of offensive, defensive and stability operations while improving international interoperability, commitment to NATO and allied nations and strategic access to critical areas within the European Command's area of responsibility. More information about Saber Junction 2014 can be found at www.eur.army.mil/SaberJunction/ (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christina M. Dion/Released)

U.S. Army Spc. Jack Eddy, an engineer advisor with the Fort Benning-based, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard, observes Colombian Army training lanes at Exercise Southern Vanguard 23 at Tolemaida Military Base, Colombia, Nov. 12, 2022. Exercise Southern Vanguard is U.S. Army South’s premier training exercise taking place at the operational and tactical levels intended to increase interoperability between the United States and Western Hemisphere forces. This year’s iteration, Exercise Southern Vanguard 23, involves Soldiers from U.S. Army South and the U.S. Army National Guard training alongside Colombian Army soldiers in varying terrain while conducting weapon familiarization lanes culminating in a bilateral military training operation. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class R.J. Lannom Jr.

YAVORIV, Ukraine -- A Ukrainian paratrooper checks a Polish paratrooper’s chute before a jump July 9 during Exercise Rapid Trident. Rapid Trident 2013 is a U.S. Army Europe-led, multinational field training and command post exercise occurring at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv, Ukraine July 8-19 that involves approximately 1,300 troops from 17 nations. The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability between forces and promote regional stability and security. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel Cole)

Spc. Alberto Apolinario (center) with U.S. Army Europe's 541st Engineer Company, 54th Engineer Battalion, 18th Engineer Brigade, speaks with the commander of a Spanish engineer company in his native tongue during exercise Interdict 2012 in Spain, Oct. 27. The exercise hosted by the Spanish engineers was designed to foster and enhance interoperability and skills among engineer units practicing counter-improvised explosive device operations using a scenario that mirrored combat in Afghanistan. (Photo by Lt. Col. Wayne Marotto)

A U.S. Army Paratrooper assigned to Special Operations Command Europe consolidates her parachute after landing in a designated drop zone in Germany March 11, 2020. Monthly jumps at SOCEUR are designed to assess the readiness of paratroopers, maintain currency and to promote interoperability with participating allies and partner nations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Monique O’Neill)

Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) logisticians prepare to load a practice pallet consisting of tires during a hands-on segment of Uganda ADAPT 2010, a mentoring program conducted in Entebbe, Uganda, that resulted in certifying 25 soldiers as C-130 aircraft load planners.

U.S. Army photo by Gordon Christensen

A U.S. Army Africa (USARAF) organized Africa Deployment Assistance Partnership Team (ADAPT) recently trained, and for the first time ever, certified 25 soldiers of the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) as C-130 aircraft load planners in Entebbe, Uganda.

A five-person team, led by Gordon Christensen of Army Africa’s G-4 Mobility Division, completed Phase III training with UPDF soldiers Aug. 27 in Entebbe, Uganda, said John Hanson, chief of the G-4 Policy and Programs Branch.

“This was the first actual air load certification we’ve done, of all the previous ADAPT engagements,” Hanson said. “That’s what makes it unique.”

Two weeks of classroom instruction and hands-on training enabled 25 of 31 students to earn U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command Form 9 certification, significantly augmenting the Uganda land force’s air deployment capability, while developing greater interoperability with U.S. military forces, Hanson said.

The ADAPT program, developed to enhance the force projection capabilities of African militaries, is managed by the USARAF G-4 staff. Its aim is to bridge the gap between limited deployment capacity and the need to provide forces in support of peacekeeping or humanitarian relief operations, Hanson said.

“We’re building capacity for people to deploy, to do their own missions,” he said.

Even when the training doesn’t lead to actual U.S. Air Force certification, as it did this time in Uganda, it contributes to an enhanced deployment capacity for the land force involved, Hanson said.

“That’s the intent. They can’t do the certification, but they can continue to train their own people. Then we back off and they continue to do that,” he said.

The program is a Title 22 tactical logistics engagement funded by the U.S. Department of State, and focuses on African countries that contribute troops to peacekeeping operations, Hanson said.

Training is executed in four installments in order to create a long-term, phased approach to building deployment capacity, Hanson said. Instructors take students from a general orientation to tactical deployment principles to an advanced level of practical proficiency.

Instructors for the UPDF course were sourced using the Request For Forces (RFF) process, Hanson said.

Christensen was accompanied U.S. Army Capt. Jedmund Greene of 21st Theater Support Command’s 16th Sustainment Brigade, based in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and three Air Force noncommissioned officers: Tech. Sgt. Venus Washington, Robbins Air Force Base, Ga.; Tech. Sgt. Byran Quinn, Pope Air Force Base, N.C.; and Senior Master Sgt. Anthony D. Tate of the Illinois Air National Guard.

“The training helped to strengthen the relationship with our Ugandan partners, and also helped them build a self-sustaining deployment capacity,” Greene said. “I hope 21st TSC can increase its support to USARAF logistics theater security cooperation events in the future.”

Army Africa’s G-4 staff is presently working to synchronize ADAPT with the Africa Contingency Operations Training and Assistance (ACOTA) program. A proof of concept joint training was conducted with ACOTA in Rwanda earlier this year, combining tactical- and support-staff training in logistics with the more complex operational techniques of force deployment and mobility, Hanson said.

The Rwanda training demonstrated the feasibility of combining available U.S. government resources to achieve the most efficient and focused effort to advance common foreign policy objectives with U.S. partners in Africa, he said.

To date, ADAPT missions have been funded for eight African countries. Previous training sessions have been conducted in Rwanda, Ghana and Burkina Faso as well as Uganda, and the number is likely to grow in coming years, Hanson said.

“The programs were identified as being of interest to several other countries during the Army Africa Theater Army Security Cooperation Conference, held in Vicenza in August,” Hanson said.

The next planned ADAPT mission is for Phase I training in Botswana, scheduled for the first quarter of 2011, he said.

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