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From cavalry scout to advisor: US Army Soldier leads the way in Africa

By Sgt. 1st Class Solomon NavarroDecember 19, 2024

From cavalry scout to advisor: US Army soldier leads the way in Africa
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Corey Seeds, maneuver advisor team (MAT) 2122, 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2SFAB), receives his new rank pinned by his wife, Naylina, during a promotion ceremony at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, Oct. 23, 2024. Seeds, currently forward-deployed to Camp Ramram in Marrakech, Morocco, serves as an intelligence advisor, contributing to 2SFAB’s mission of building partner capacity and strengthening international relationships. U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), supports this critical mission, ensuring 2SFAB’s efforts align with regional stability goals. By providing strategic direction, logistical support and operational oversight, SETAF-AF enables teams like MAT 2122 to deliver impactful and sustainable results. (Courtesy Photo) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
From cavalry scout to advisor: US Army soldier leads the way in Africa
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Corey Seeds (left), maneuver advisor team (MAT) 2122, 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2SFAB), raises his right hand during an indefinite reenlistment ceremony at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, Oct. 23, 2024. Seeds is accompanied by fellow team members as he reaffirms his commitment to the U.S. Army, continuing his service in support of 2SFAB’s mission to strengthen international partnerships and build partner capacity. U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), supports this critical mission, ensuring 2SFAB’s efforts align with regional stability goals. By providing strategic direction, logistical support and operational oversight, SETAF-AF enables teams like MAT 2122 to deliver impactful and sustainable results. (Courtesy Photo) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
From cavalry scout to advisor: US Army soldier leads the way in Africa
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Corey Seeds, maneuver advisor team (MAT) 2122, 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2SFAB), observes the Royal Army Forces of Morocco (FAR) as they conduct a practical exercise during small unit tactics training in Marrakech, Morocco, Oct. 2024. The exercise emphasized planning and execution following classroom instruction, building partner capacity as part of 2SFAB's mission to enhance operational proficiency among allied forces. U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), supports this critical mission, ensuring 2SFAB’s efforts align with regional stability goals. By providing strategic direction, logistical support and operational oversight, SETAF-AF enables teams like MAT 2122 to deliver impactful and sustainable results. (Courtesy Photo) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
From cavalry scout to advisor: US Army soldier leads the way in Africa
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Corey Seeds, maneuver advisor team (MAT) 2122, 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2SFAB), provides guidance to Royal Armed Forces of Morocco during a practical exercise as part of small unit tactics training in Marrakech, Morocco, Oct. 2024. The training fosters interoperability and operational self-reliance, supporting the U.S. Army's mission to strengthen partnerships in Africa. U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), supports this critical mission, ensuring 2SFAB’s efforts align with regional stability goals. By providing strategic direction, logistical support and operational oversight, SETAF-AF enables teams like MAT 2122 to deliver impactful and sustainable results. (Courtesy Photo) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
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VICENZA, Italy — Dedication, leadership and adaptability define U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Corey Seeds’ remarkable journey from cavalry scout to intelligence advisor. Deployed to Marrakech, Morocco, as a key member of the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2nd SFAB), Seeds strengthens international partnerships and empowers allied forces to enhance regional security.

Seeds’ career is marked by significant milestones, including earning a jungle tab, air assault badge and gold cavalry spurs during his distinguished service. A graduate of the Army Reconnaissance Course, he also received the prestigious Order of Saint George medal, reflecting his contributions to the cavalry community.

From cavalry scout to advisor: US Army soldier leads the way in Africa
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Corey Seeds (center), maneuver advisor team (MAT) 2122, 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2SFAB), stands with U.S. Army Lt. Col. Greg Fisher (left), Defense Attaché with the U.S. Embassy in Rabat and Sgt. Maj. Nou-Eddie Bouhaja (right) of the 2nd Brigade d’Infanterie Parachutiste (2BIP), Royal Armed Forces (FAR) of Morocco, during ongoing advisory operations in Marrakech, Morocco, Oct. 2024. Seeds and his team work closely with 2BIP leadership to enhance operational readiness and build enduring partnerships. U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), supports this critical mission, ensuring 2SFAB’s efforts align with regional stability goals. By providing strategic direction, logistical support and operational oversight, SETAF-AF enables teams like MAT 2122 to deliver impactful and sustainable results. (Courtesy photo) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL

Seeds advises partners at Camp Ramram in Marrakech, Morocco, as part of a 9-month deployment, referred to as an “employment” in the SFAB community.

“My time in Morocco, specifically the city of Marrakech, has been a rewarding and enjoyable experience,” Seeds said. “It has been a privilege to work with my team and our Moroccan military counterparts. I look forward to continuing our mission here in Africa as well as exploring the wonderful sites that Morocco has to offer.”

Recognized as 2nd SFAB’s “Advisor of the Month,” Seeds exemplifies the character and qualities essential for success in military advising. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kai Thaxton, commander of 1st Battalion, 2nd SFAB, highlighted Seeds’ embodiment of the ten key attributes of an advisor, emphasizing his profound impact on the mission.

“I’m proud of Sgt. 1st Class Corey Seeds and privileged to be in the same 2nd SFAB Battalion,” Thaxton said. “When the Security Force Assistance Command enterprise looks at what makes an advisor, we look at 10 attributes: presence, resilience, sound judgement, competence, humility, self-starting, empathetic, disciplined, mature and tolerance for ambiguity.”

Thaxton emphasized that Seeds embodies all 10 of these attributes, which enables him and his team to operate at a very high level.

“Important to note about Corey is he is a 19D (cavalry scout) currently filling the Intelligence advisor role on his team, teaching our partners the value of intelligence-driven operations,” said Thaxton. “Corey’s hard work is reflected in our African partners’ trust in him. It’s firmly committed advisors, like Corey, that are the cornerstone of our mil-to-mil partnerships on the African continent.”

As a key member of the 2nd SFAB, Seeds plays a pivotal role in building partner capacity and strengthening relationships with allied forces. Working with Morocco’s elite Groupement des Operations Speciales (GOS), Seeds focuses on enhancing their planning and execution of critical missions. By developing the leadership skills of noncommissioned officers and fostering a culture of self-reliance, he ensures the GOS is equipped to operate independently and support national and regional security objectives.

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) supports this critical mission, ensuring that 2nd SFAB’s efforts align with regional stability goals. By providing strategic direction, logistical support and operational oversight, SETAF-AF enables teams like Seeds’ maneuver advisory team (MAT 2122) to deliver impactful and sustainable results.

For Seeds, leadership is not just about tactics; it is about relationships and growth.

“Being an ‘Advisor of the Month’ is more than an individual honor,” he reflected. “It highlights teamwork, shared goals and the strength of the organization. I’m proud to serve alongside my incredible team here at 2SFAB.”

Seeds’ journey from cavalry scout to “Advisor of the Month” reflects his unwavering dedication to service, as well as his ability to adapt and excel in challenging environments. As he continues his mission in Africa, Seeds exemplifies the spirit of 2nd SFAB, leaving a lasting impact on his team and his Moroccan partners.

Motivated by his wife, Naylina, and their daughter, Kaisley, Seeds believes his work is part of a larger legacy.

“For me, this isn’t just a job—it’s a privilege to contribute to something bigger than myself,” he said. “Knowing the work we do here today creates a safer, more stable future for families like mine inspires me every day.”

About 2SFAB

The 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2SFAB), assigned to SETAF-AF, specializes in enhancing the tactical proficiency and operational capabilities of African partner forces, strengthening defense partnerships across the continent.

About SETAF-AF

SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

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