Army Officers Build Capacity in Ethiopia by Mentorship

Army Officers Build Capacity in Ethiopia by Mentorship

What is it'

U.S. Army officers are helping build capacity in Ethiopia's military through a mentorship program at the Ethiopian Defense Command and Staff College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Four U.S. Army Reserve lieutenant colonels and one U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel have led the program initiated by U.S. Army Central. Their mission is to assist staff, mentor students and offer guidance in curriculum. Topics include strategy, leadership, joint operations, military communication, research methods and English. The team of U.S. officers also works to develop instructors to become school faculty.

What has U.S. Army Africa done'

In October, U.S. Army Africa assumes program oversight. U.S. Army Africa staff are now coordinating efforts to support the ongoing mission. This summer, teams from the Naval War College visited. Guest speakers, Army officers from both active duty and reserve units, augment the assigned staff - offering insight into key topics senior leaders face. In the coming months, guest speakers from U.S. Army Africa and U.S. Africa Command will be taking part.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future'

U.S. Army Reserve officers will continue to staff the advisory team for year-long assignments. Senior Ethiopian National Defense Force officers are excited about the recent progress. In fact, some of the U.S. Army officers' presentations have been incorporated formal studies that will be presented to the Ethiopian Ministry of Defense. Other recent presentations have become required reading for Ethiopian military staff. Meanwhile, U.S. Army NCOs in Ethiopia will continue to mentor instructors for a sergeants major course held at an Ethiopian training site in Tolay.

Why is this important to the Army'

The U.S. Army has a long history with Ethiopia, dating back to the Korean War when Ethiopian troops fought alongside U.S. forces. In recent years, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa forged new ties with the Ethiopian military. U.S. Army efforts in Ethiopia bringing positive change to the continent. By building capacity within partner nations - to include mentoring within the ENDF's senior leadership courses - the U.S. Army maintains a valuable ally in East Africa, key to supporting stability in the region.

Resources:

<a href=" http://www.usaraf.army.mil/" target="_blank">U.S. Army Africa</a>