International African observers arrive at exercise to view shared accord, efforts 

Seven senior military staff members from three African nations arrived in here, June 15, to observe U.S.-Benin interaction during Exercise SHARED ACCORD 09.

Ghanna, Liberia and the Republic of Sierra Leone were represented during the three-day visit, which highlighted SA09’s Medical Civil Affairs Program, Veterinary Civil Affairs Program, school building project and bilateral military training at a weapons’ range 15-miles west of the city. 

“I was expecting to see shared accord, the partnership between the Americans and Beninese,” said Ghana Air Force Group Captain Emmanuel Asare-Yeboah, head of training at Ghana’s Headquarters Battalion.  “So far I’ve seen an excellent performance at the range.  As a soldier, I’m interested in the weapons here.”

At the range, the group met Maj. John K. Jarrard, Company Commander of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Division.  They plied him with questions about everything from safety procedures to gear, and from environmental concerns to small-unit structure and leadership.

“Eventually we’d like to support the Economic Community of West African States with SHARED ACCORD not just as a bilateral exercise, but a multinational one,” said Maj. Kieth Nunn, Marine Forces Africa exercise planner.  “So this visit is a good opportunity for them to see how we conduct business.  It’s the small conversations that make a difference.  It’s good for them to compare their tactics with ours, and to observe.”

The group had the opportunity to see the Marines in action on a live-fire and maneuver range.

“When you work with U.S. Marines,” said Beninese Capt. Wallis Zoumarou, company commander of 3rd Battalion Ouidah, Bembereke Center of Military Intelligence, “you realize that what you see on TV is real.  It isn’t fiction.”

SHARED ACCORD is aimed at conducting small unit infantry and staff training with the Beninese military.  The exercise is focused on non-lethal weapons training, individual and crew served weapons proficiency and small unit training tactics, techniques and procedures as well as company and battalion level staff training.  Additionally, the exercise will involve various medical related humanitarian assistance efforts for the local population to include veterinary care.