USMC trains Senegal forces
A team of around ten US Marine Corps (USMC) soldiers, sailors and coastguardsmen are currently undertaking the training of Senegalese Companie Fusilier de Marine Commandos (COFUMACO), the USMC announced on 5 July.
The team was assigned to the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa and are training the forces near St. Louis, Senegal, through a nearly six-week period that began on 1 June.
The Senegalese forces are being taught small-boat operations and small-unit infantry tactics. So far, the training has been focused on operational planning, land navigation skills and combat marksmanship.
Marine Capt. Joseph Burger, officer-in-charge, said: ‘The Companie Fusilier de Marine Commandos are a Marine Corps equivalent and fall under the Senegalese Navy. The operations conducted by the COFUMACO are characterised by land and water based patrols, making proficiency in light infantry and small boat operation skills crucial.
‘The Senegalese utilise a French system for military operations. In general, the ways we both operate are similar, but there are differences. We have dealt with this issue by explaining that this is how we do business, but there are many different ways to achieve the same effect. The end state and ultimate goal of the training is the conduct of a small boat raid utilising classes and practical application over marine corps methods and procedures.’
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