Stand-to! update Beginning May 2022, STAND-TO! will no longer be published on Army.mil and/or distributed to its subscribers. Please continue to learn about the U.S. Army on www.army.mil and follow @USArmy on our social media platforms. Thank you for your continued interest in learning about the U.S. Army.

Western Accord 13

Monday June 17, 2013

What is it?

U.S. Army Africa, in partnership with Ghana and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), will conduct Exercise Western Accord 2013 (WA 13) at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center in Ghana to increase the capacity of ECOWAS to provide mission command capability to support regional peace operations. Approximately 300 military personnel from ECOWAS and the United States, along with observers from several neighboring countries will participate in the exercise.

What has the Army done?

U.S. engagement with countries in Africa is not new. For the past few decades, America has partnered with African militaries in medical capacity-building events, various training engagements, and across a number of key skill sets. Western Accord 13 is a two part exercise. In part I, participants receive academics focused on collective tasks, functional, and staff procedures in support of command and control of a peacekeeping operation based on real world events. In part II, a command post exercise, a brigade headquarters staff will prepare and then execute its plan to move forces into a contested area, defeat terrorists, and restore basic services and the rule of law while setting the stage for national reconciliation.

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

U.S. Army Africa (USARAF) is committed to partnering with African countries to showcase military interoperability. This dynamic process and the further development of relationships build capacity and strengthen military-to-military relationships and regional security in West Africa. This exercise is an example of U.S. Army Africa’s commitment to strengthening its relationships with partner nations in Africa.

While it is too early to determine the location of future exercise opportunities like Western Accord, USARAF will continue the relationships created during the exercise and will continue to build upon the partnerships established here.

Why is this important to the Army?

The benefit of exercises like this is increased capacity and mutual respect gained by two professional militaries working side-by-side. This exercise is a key element in a broader series of military-to-military activities to demonstrate the strong partnership between the U.S. and ECOWAS, as well as all of the participating militaries. WA 13 brings together Ghana, ECOWAS, and the U.S. to foster security cooperation while improving medical and logistics capability in the central region.

Resources

Subscribe to STAND-TO! to learn about the U.S. Army initiatives.