MEDFLAG 10 medical training exercise under way in Kinshasa

September 8, 2010

By Staff Sgt. Kassidy L. Snyder, Illinois National Guard Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs

Story Highlights

  • Major bilateral medical exercise under way in Democratic Republic of Congo
  • U.S. and Congolese armed forces join for military medical training
  • U.S. Armed Forces in Kinshasa for medical training with Congolese counterparts
  • Preparing for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in Congo
  • Minister of Justice and Human Rights for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Luzolo Bambi, speaks with the Congolese press following the opening ceremonies for MEDFLAG 10 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sept. 6. MEDFLAG 10 is a joint training exercise between U.S. and Congolese militaries preparing both militaries for medical and civic assistance and mass casualty response.

    MEDFLAG 10 opening ceremony

    Minister of Justice and Human Rights for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Luzolo Bambi, speaks with the Congolese press following the opening ceremonies for MEDFLAG 10 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sept. 6. MEDFLAG 10 is a joint training...

  • Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) military police prepare for the opening ceremonies of MEDFLAG 10 in Kinshasa, DROC, Sept. 6. MEDFLAG 10 is a joint training exercise between U.S. and Congolese militaries preparing both land forces for medical and civic assistance and mass casualty response.

    MEDFLAG 10 opening ceremony

    Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) military police prepare for the opening ceremonies of MEDFLAG 10 in Kinshasa, DROC, Sept. 6. MEDFLAG 10 is a joint training exercise between U.S. and Congolese militaries preparing both land forces...

  • Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Luzolo Bambi, reviews troops of the Armed Forces of the DRC Sept. 6 prior to opening ceremonies for MEDFLAG 10 in Kinshasa. MEDFLAG 10 is a joint training exercise between U.S. and Congolese militaries preparing both land forces for medical and civic assistance and mass casualty response.

    MEDFLAG 10 opening ceremony

    Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Luzolo Bambi, reviews troops of the Armed Forces of the DRC Sept. 6 prior to opening ceremonies for MEDFLAG 10 in Kinshasa. MEDFLAG 10 is a joint training exercise between U.S...

  • Charge d' Affaires Mr. Samuel Laeuchli (left to right), Maj. Gen. Lukama Marcelin, Lt. Col. Todd Johnston, MEDFLAG 10 commander of the U.S. forces, and Col. Kabanda Gilbert, FARDC Surgeon General, await the arrival of the Minister of Justice and Human Rights for the Democratic Republic of Congo to begin the opening ceremonies of MEDFLAG 10, Sept. 6 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. MEDFLAG 10 is a joint training exercise between U.S. and Congolese forces, preparing both militaries for medical and civic assistance and mass casualty response.

    MEDFLAG 10 opening ceremony

    Charge d' Affaires Mr. Samuel Laeuchli (left to right), Maj. Gen. Lukama Marcelin, Lt. Col. Todd Johnston, MEDFLAG 10 commander of the U.S. forces, and Col. Kabanda Gilbert, FARDC Surgeon General, await the arrival of the Minister of Justice and Human...

  • Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) music battalion play at the opening ceremonies of MEDFAG 10, a joint training exercise between the U.S. military and the Congolese armed forces focusing on medical and humanitarian assistance training that began Sept. 6 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

    MEDFLAG 10 opening ceremony

    Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) music battalion play at the opening ceremonies of MEDFAG 10, a joint training exercise between the U.S. military and the Congolese armed forces focusing on medical and humanitarian assistance...

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo - U.S. Armed Forces along with the Armed Forces of Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) held an opening ceremony Sept. 6 at the Command and Staff College in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to signify the start of MEDFLAG 10, a joint medical exercise.

"Today and throughout the exercise, we gather together as military personnel and civilians working together in the spirit of friendship and cooperation," said Lt. Col. Todd Johnston, the MEDFLAG 10 U.S. forces task force commander. "It is inspiring to look back at where we have come from and look forward to where we are going."

The ceremony began with the arrival of distinguished guests, including Luzolo Bambi, Minister of Justice and Human Rights for the Democratic Republic of Congo; Charge d' Affaires Samuel Laeuchli; Maj. Gen. Marcelin Lukama, FARDC Chief of Defense Forces; and Col. Gilbert Kabanda, FARDC surgeon general.

The FARDC military police presented honors while the FARDC music battalion performed both countries' national anthems.

"It is my hope that our respective national organizations will learn something about each other as they work together over the coming weeks," said Luzolo. "In the end, it is about saving lives and minimizing human suffering in the event of a disaster."

Following the opening ceremony, U.S. medical personnel began classroom instruction with the FARDC on familiarization of malaria signs, symptoms, causes and treatments. Both armed forces will continue classroom instruction on various medical topics for the next four days.

After all classroom instruction is completed both forces will work side by side to provide humanitarian assistance to Congolese citizens.

MEDFLAG 10 will conclude Sept. 18.

Page last updated Wed September 8th, 2010 at 03:59