Gabonese and Brazzaville-Congolese service members rehearsed proper security procedures while training alongside U.S. Marines during a entry control point and a vehicle checkpoint demonstration.

The sun rises early on the equator as birds chirp and the humidity begins to add weight to the air. Likewise, the Marines of Ground Combat Element, Security Cooperation Task Force, Africa Partnership Station 2011, rise early in preparation for physical training alongside Gabonese and Brazzaville-Congolese service members, just as they have every day since their arrival last week.

As the partnership here prepares to pick up, the second squad of the Ground Combat Element are staying mission ready by pursuing continued education in tactics. Under the sub-Saharan African sun, the Marines spent an afternoon reviewing combat scenarios by playing tactical decision games.

Marine Security Guard Detachment Dakar opens doors to APS-11