CMC visits Marines in Niger
Submitted by: Marine Forces Europe
Story Identification #: 200491654441
Story by Cpl. Witter



NIGER, Africa (Sep. 5, 2004) -- "Marines are good at several things," said the 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Michael W. Hagee. "One of the things that we're really good at is putting a team together from various units with various MOS's (Military Occupational Specialties) and capabilities. It works, and the reason it works is, because we look at ourselves as being Marines first before any other MOS," added the Commandant as he addressed the Trans-Sahara Counter Terrorist Initiative (TSCTI) Mobile Training Team (MTT) regarding their efforts in Chad and Niger during a recent visit to the Nigerien Army Training Camp, Tondibiah.

The team of 24 servicemembers, dedicated to the State Department's initiative to bolster the capabilities of Africa's Sahel region and stem the flow of illicit arms, goods, and terrorists in the area, have been training soldiers of the Nigerien force in basic individual infantry skills up to company-level tactics in an eight-week-long mission. Prior to coming to Niger, the MTT completed a similar training cycle with the Chadian Army.

The 7.85 million dollar program formally known as the Pan Sahel Initiative began with the countries of Mali and Mauritania under the direction of Special Operations Command, Europe personnel. The Marines followed by conducting similar training programs in Chad and Niger.

In attendance with the Commandant was the U.S. Ambassador of Niger the Honorable Mrs. Gail D. Mathieu and other Nigerien Officials. Accompanied by TSCTI MTT Officer in Charge Maj. Paul A. Baker, the group witnessed the 150 Nigerien soldiers in training. Under the direction of the training cadre, the group watched the soldiers performing patrols, ambushes, and reaction to ambushes and shooting drills with pistols and AK-47 assault riffles. The visitors would later have a chance to fire the AK-47 assault riffle.

According to Sgt. Laurin Hopkins, instructor/trainer, TSCTI MTT, the Commandant seemed pleased with the performance of the soldiers.

"When the Commandant asked what kind of ambush was set up, I told him two squads are set-up in an L-shaped ambush. He seemed very impressed because the L-shaped ambush is one of the hardest," said Hopkins. "The training is going very well, and the soldiers are very receptive to the mass classes and practical application method we use to teach them. By the third try the Nigerien non-commissioned officers take over and run their own squad with us just supervising."

After firing at the range, the Commandant returned to the command post to address the entire MTT. The Commandant applauded the Marines on the effort they put forth and encouraged them to stay steadfast in this rare mission for Marines.

"The Commandants visit provided more visibility throughout the world and showed the Marine Corps' commitment to the U.S., Niger, and the rest of the world," said Baker.



A Nigerien soldier maintains his firing position during an ambush as the Trans-Sahara Counter Terrorist Initiative (TSCTI) Mobile Training Team (MTT) Officer in Charge Maj. Paul A. Baker escorts Gen. Michael W. Hagee, Commandant of the Marine Corps, during a recent visit to the Nigerien Army Training Camp, Tondibiah. Photo by: Cpl. Lameen Witter

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...4?opendocument

Ellie