Army Officers end training exercise

A two-week training exercise organized for Army Officers at the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Center (KAIPC) has ended in Accra.

The training exercise, which was sponsored by the US-Africa command, brought together military officers of the United States Army, the ECOWAS and personnel from French and the Dutch army.

In a short statement by the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Accra, Madam Pat Alsup assured the troops of their support as they head to Mali for another assignment of bringing peace to that West African state.

She charged the troops to be professionals in exercising their professional duties, stressing that: “cooperation among them is key.”

Madam Pat Alsup encouraged the participants to take advantage of the new experience acquired during the training to reach out to people.

On his part, the Chief of Army Staff (COAST), Col M. Abdulai recalled an unfortunate incident that occurred in 2008 involving the military hospital and some drivers and their mates that led to the postponement of the medical and humanitarian exercise at the time.

The COAST charged the Army Officers to be circumspect in dealings with civilians in general, and especially the populace they protect.

He said the short training course has offered both US-Africom and Ecowas military members the better understanding of the capabilities of their partners, and support they require to prosecute their portion of the fight against terrorism.

He indicated also that the training has offered the US military the practicing skills to operate in a joint and combined mission command environment with their African partners through effective communication techniques, tactics and procedures.

The Western Accord 2013 has hosted over 200 ECOWAS personnel alongside the US, French and the Dutch officers, together in Accra.