Diggin' in: AFL Soldiers Complete FTX

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Diggin' in: AFL Soldiers Complete FTX
March 06, 2009
Marine Corps News

CAREYSBURG DISTRICT, Liberia — Soldiers with the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) began their weekend by digging foxholes and getting into defensive positions, waiting to respond to various situations during their field training exercise (FTX) at Camp Sandee S. Ware here.

The service members with the Liberian Security Sector Reform (SSR) and mentors with Pacific Architects and Engineers, a civilian contracted firm, oversaw the training and assisted the AFL Soldiers in understanding and properly executing a good defense.

U.S. Africa Command recently sent a Military Mentor Team (MMT) to Liberia comprised of members from Marine Corps Forces Africa, Southern European Task Force and Joint Task Force Horn of Africa as part of the SSR program, a Department of State-funded program designed to assist the Liberian government in rebuilding its security sector, to include its military and police force.

“They (AFL) are doing a company FTX but with the emphasis on platoon events,” said U.S. Marine Maj. Keith Vital, 1st Battalion advisor, MMT. “Each platoon is fighting their individual fight. This is done so they can start understanding how to fight the battle as a platoon. Once they get comfortable as a platoon, then they can coordinate and fight as a company.”

The platoons encountered scenarios involving insurgents probing their lines and refugees, with insurgents embedded within them, seeking assistance. These situations are prevalent in today’s world and in the areas where these Soldiers will operate. Therefore, it’s important to rehearse working as a team and to understand how each platoon will impact the fight.

Rest of Africom article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/marine-corps-news/...