Horse’s Mouth News appreciates donations in support of good journalism and quality reportage. (Naira Account, Nigeria)
Account number: 6281917627
Account name: Horse’s Mouth News Media
Bank: Monie Point
US forces train Nigerian troops in tactical combat care, drone tech, others
As part of efforts to strengthen security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, US forces have begun training Nigerian troops in tactical combat casualty care, unmanned aircraft systems (military drone technology), among others.
The training conducted in Bauchi State, as contained in a report by the United States Africa Command on Monday, is part of a broader US-Nigeria security cooperation mission aimed at enhancing military capability, readiness and long-term partnership.
“U.S. and Nigerian forces are conducting a series of training events at Operating Location Bauchi, Nigeria, aimed at sharing military expertise, strengthening partner capacity and building relationships between service members from both nations.
“Training conducted between U.S. and Nigerian forces at Bauchi has included Combat Lifesaver and Tactical Combat Casualty Care instruction, weapons familiarisation, camouflage, water treatment and testing, explosive ordnance disposal, small-unit tactics and unmanned aircraft system training,” the report read.
The training, according to the report, centered on areas identified by the Nigerian military as beneficial.
Capt Gabriel Feingold, a US logistics officer, stated that the Nigerian leadership were provided with a list of training options by US units, from which they picked their areas of interest.
“We bring them a list of several different training topics, and they select what they think would be most beneficial for them,” Feingold said.
The report stated that beyond technical and operational skills, the exercise also created opportunities for American and Nigerian service members to build relationships and improve interoperability.
“The training helps build relationships between Soldiers and the partner force, especially at the lower levels,” Feingold noted.
Participants were taught techniques for employing UAS and incorporating information gathered by the systems into military operations.
According to Sgt Mark Murphy, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion,
“They were really excited with being able to get hands-on time with it,” while stressing on participants’ interest in receiving further training on the system.
The report stated that more training opportunities are being developed at OL Bauchi.
“Additional training opportunities are being developed at OL Bauchi as US and Nigerian forces continue identifying areas where their personnel can share expertise and train together,” it said.
