2IBCT training provides tactical insight for Senegalese Soldiers

By Pvt. Caine Scholes, 1-30th Inf. UPAR

FORT STEWART, Ga. - U.S. Army Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division demonstrated tactical-level planning and training for Senegalese Army leaders Aug. 22-29 at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

Senegalese soldiers observed a variety of training exercises, and the coordination and planning for those events.

"The Senegalese were more interested in the planning process up to going hot on a range (live ammunition being fired) rather than the training itself," said U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Stanley Getz, operations officer with 1-30th Inf.

"Observing training brought us a good understanding to the whole process related to planning," said Maj. Serge Boissy with the Senegalese Armed Forces (SAF).

Senegalese leaders attended battalion and company training meetings, learned how to coordinate with range control and experienced the environments and systems used by U.S. Soldiers.

Representatives from SAF attended numerous training events such as alternating fire tank exercises, a javelin range and a mortar range.

"I can say there are no differences in the way we use the mortars," said Boissy. "The fundamentals are the same and the only difference are the tables the U.S. use to plot targets."

Both nations benefit from knowledge with one another by conducting combined training exercises and building stronger camaraderie between countries.

"The relationship between the Senegalese Armed Forces and U.S Army is important for future operations," Getz explained. He added that establishing relationships now increases interoperability between the two countries for future training and missions.

The training provided the Senegalese with insight and knowledge on how U.S. Soldiers prepare and perform day-to-day operations, after observing U.S. Soldiers train in Senegal and Fort Stewart. During Africa Readiness Training 16 in Thies, Senegal in July, 1-30th Inf. showcased their tactical skills in an unfamiliar austere environment. ART 16 consisted of combined operational planning, squad to company-level live-fire exercises, and situational training exercises between two light infantry companies.

"Soldiers showed their capability to adapt and train in any environment." said Sgt. James Hillis, an infantry team leader with Bravo Company, 1-30th Inf. "Africa Readiness Training gave us the chance to train with a different army and learn how they fight."

U.S. Army and SAF combined training collaborates different methods of battlefield tactics, and allows U.S. Soldiers to interact with people from other cultural backgrounds. This will ultimately lead to a strong partnership and other successful training missions.