Airmen assigned to the 768th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron Security Forces instructed Nigerien Armed Forces personnel during a week-long Improvised Explosive Device Awareness Course.
Members of the Forces Armées Nigeriennes, Nigerian Armed Forces, Genie Unit respond to a simulated threat during an Improvised Explosive Device Awareness Course in Niamey, Niger, Oct. 11, 2019. During the week-long course, the 768th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron explosive ordnance disposal team and Security Forces air advisors taught FAN personnel valuable skills for deployed environments such as how to locate and react to an IED, how to set up a cordon and the procedures to clear an area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III)
NIAMEY, Niger (AFNS) —
Airmen assigned to the 768th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron instructed Nigerien Armed Forces personnel, during a week-long Improvised Explosive Device Awareness Course Oct. 7-11.
To expand the U.S. and Nigerian partnership, members of the 768th EABS explosive ordnance disposal team, assisted by 768th EABS Security Forces air advisors, trained Genie Unit members of the Nigerian Armed Forces during the course, which is part of a curriculum spanning several months.
“I take a lot of pride in seeing how far they’ve come from when we first showed up here just three months ago,” said Senior Airman Caleb Love, 786th EABS EOD team member. “A lot of the soldiers out here only receive some initial training when they join the military and receive no additional training for the rest of their career. If it wasn’t for these courses, they wouldn’t receive any training before they deploy.”
This overall joint knowledge exchange curriculum is designed to improve the effectiveness and survivability of Nigerian Armed Forces personnel once they deploy to combat the violent extremist organizations in West Africa.
While the 768th EABS EOD team leads this program, the security forces air advisors help ensure the joint knowledge exchange is executed properly and lend their expertise in security tactics by teaching classes related to those skills.
“I couldn’t ask for a better experience,” said Senior Airman Brandon Cummings, 786th EABS Security Forces air advisor. “The individuals that we are training are very friendly and receptive to the information that we are teaching them. It’s just an awesome experience to work with our host nation counterparts like this.”
During the week of training, the Airmen taught Nigerian Armed Forces personnel valuable skills for the deployed environment such as how to locate and react to an IED, how to set up a cordon and procedures to clear the area. Also on the syllabus were movement tactics, reacting to contact and how to work in and out of a vehicle.
“This week we learned something new, and we refreshed our knowledge,” said 2nd Lt. Amadou Belloh Abdoulaye, Genie Unit combat engineer in the Nigerian Armed Forces. “The situation of our country is very difficult and complex. So this training is very important. (It) is always welcome.”
The next block of joint training will begin in a couple of weeks, expanding on the trainees’ knowledge and the bond that is forged between two allies striving for a common goal.
By Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III, 435th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs / Published October 17, 2019
Senior Airman Caleb Love, 768th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron explosive ordnance disposal team member, teaches members of the Forces Armées Nigeriennes, Nigerian Armed Forces, Genie Unit how to locate an improvised explosive device during an IED Awareness Course in Niamey, Niger, Oct. 11, 2019. During this week-long course, the FAN learned how to locate and react to an IED, how to set up a cordon and the procedures to clear an area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III)
Airmen assigned to the 768th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron and members of the Forces Armées Nigeriennes, Nigerian Armed Forces, pose for a photo during an Improvised Explosive Device Awareness Course in Niamey, Niger, Oct. 11, 2019. The course is part of a curriculum spanning several months designed to improve the FAN’s effectiveness and survivability once they deploy to combat violent extremist organizations in West Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alex Fox Echols III)
