The National Guard plays a crucial role in supporting U.S. Army operations across the African continent. Through various programs and exercises, the National Guard enhances regional security, strengthens partnerships with African nations, and provides essential support in crisis response scenarios. This article explores the multifaceted missions of the National Guard in Africa, highlighting their contributions to stability and cooperation.
Key Programs and Initiatives
The National Guard's involvement in Africa is primarily facilitated through two key avenues:
- State Partnership Program (SPP): Fifteen National Guard states have established military partnerships with 21 African nations. This program fosters long-term relationships and enhances security cooperation.
- SETAF-AF Exercises: National Guard units actively participate in exercises run by the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on the African continent. These exercises improve interoperability and crisis response capabilities.
These initiatives are vital for building trust and mutual understanding between the U.S. military and its African partners.
The National Guard’s State Partnership Program and Its Role in the National Defense Strategy
State Partnership Program (SPP)
The National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP) remains a cornerstone of SETAF-AF’s efforts in Africa. Through longstanding relationships, the National Guard strengthens security cooperation with partner nations.
“In my interaction with our African partner senior military leaders, they are always excited to talk about their partnership with the National Guard,” said LeBlanc.
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Army Master Sgt. Joseph O'Connor of the New York National Guard, who participated in partnership-building activities in Africa during 2024, echoed LeBlanc’s feeling about the program’s impact. “The trust that results is the keystone to success,” said O'Connor.
Multinational Exercises and Operations
The National Guard actively participates in various multinational exercises across Africa, enhancing interoperability and crisis response capabilities. These exercises include:
Justified Accord
Justified Accord is Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa. Led by SETAF-AF, and hosted in Kenya, this year's exercise will incorporate personnel and units from 23 nations. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), and hosted in Kenya, this year's exercise will incorporate personnel and units from 23 nations. joint force, prepares regional partners for UN and AU mandated missions, and increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster response and crisis response.
In Kenya, the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 772nd Military Police Company worked alongside the Kenyan Defence Forces during Justified Accord 2024. The exercise enhanced military policing capabilities.
Army Spc. Dalya Wambui of the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 772nd Military Police Company, reflecting on her participation in Justified Accord 2024 in Kenya. “Not only do I speak their language, but I’m also one of them,” she said.
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Justified Accord 2024
African Lion
African Lion 2024, hosted in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia, brought together over 8,100 participants from 27 nations, serving as one of SETAF-AF's largest multinational exercises focused on improving regional security cooperation, interoperability, and crisis response capabilities.
Army Spc. Djibril Diop of the Maryland Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, returned to his birthplace in Senegal during African Lion 2024. Army,” said Diop.
These exercises provide invaluable opportunities for National Guard units to work alongside their African counterparts, fostering mutual respect and enhancing overall operational readiness.
African Lion 2024
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Task Force Operations in East Africa
The National Guard also supports ongoing operations in East Africa through various task forces. For instance, Task Force Associator, headquartered by Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion 111th Infantry Regiment, transferred authority to Task Force Paxton, an adjacent battalion from Pennsylvania, Sept. 2024.
The priority is to provide force protection in each of the six postured locations in Eastern Africa, Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia, comprising Pennsylvania, Illinois, Puerto Rico, and Wisconsin National Guard. Task Force Associator’s mission is critical to ensuring regional security and stability.
“These Soldiers make the mission happen,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Chuck Trofe, TFAS senior enlisted leader.
The Task Force’s presence in Djibouti highlights the enduring commitment of the United States to its African partners and underscores the importance of fostering regional security cooperation.
“Our Soldiers are proud to carry on the legacy of the Pennsylvania National Guard,” said Lt. Col. Fittipoldi.
Individual Contributions and Expertise
Beyond unit-level deployments, individual National Guard soldiers bring unique skills and experiences to SETAF-AF’s operations. Their diverse backgrounds and linguistic capabilities often bridge cultural gaps and enhance communication with local populations.
Looking back at 2024, the National Guard and Army Reserve’s contributions to SETAF-AF operations in Africa have proven indispensable. “Exercises like these highlight the strength of the total Army,” said LeBlanc.
Training and Readiness
To prepare for deployments in Africa, National Guard units undergo rigorous training programs. For example, approximately 150 Oregon Soldiers will join Task Force Baton, a 1,150-member joint force from four states.
Training included weapons qualification, demolitions, live fire training at Range 24 squad level room clearing in a 360-degree shoothouse and urban area platoon assault at Range 25. "We qualified with every weapon system in the infantry battalion, from the .50 caliber machine gun to AT-4s and claymores," Skiles said.
"The end state was to master the basics, be able to fire and maneuver, and have the engineers integrated to support operations," said Lt. Col.
This annual training was unique because of its collaborative approach across units. "The Soldiers were happy getting back to what they joined the Army to do," Skiles said.
"Annual training experiences like Operation Djibouti Dawn exemplify why the Oregon National Guard continues to be the military service of choice," said Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, The Adjutant General, Oregon National Guard.
Operation Djibouti Dawn
Conclusion
The National Guard's multifaceted missions in Africa are critical for fostering regional security, enhancing partnerships, and supporting U.S. Army operations. Through the State Partnership Program, multinational exercises, and individual contributions, the National Guard strengthens relationships with African nations and promotes stability across the continent.
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