Marine Forces Africa commander visits Liberia, gauges progress of Onward Liberty mentorship 

“The stranger has big eyes but does not see everything.” African Proverb.

United States Marine Brig. Gen. Paul W. Brier, Commander, U.S. Marine Forces Africa, traveled to Monrovia, Liberia, to speak with U.S. service members mentoring the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) as a part of Operation ONWARD LIBERTY, Sept. 9. The commander’s “big eyes” may not have been able to see everything, but they were clearly content with the outstanding progress the joint team of Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen has made preparing the AFL to be a regional force for good.

“This is an unbelievably talented and diverse group,” said Brier, speaking to the joint team in a town hall forum. “You all bring unique abilities and are working together to accomplish a critical mission. Like Iraq and Afghanistan, this isn’t an easy mission. If this was easy, they wouldn’t have the military do it. You’re a treasure that the United States can’t waste on idle things.”

Operation ONWARD LIBERTY is a U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Defense initiative designed to continue the United States' support to the government of Liberia and the ongoing reform of its defense sector through the Liberian Defense Sector Reform Program.

The AFL currently has five mission sets: disaster response and humanity assistance, search and rescue by land and sea, defense of the nation, support of national law enforcement and participation in peacekeeping operations are the mission sets that Operation ONWARD LIBERTY is focused on mentoring the AFL toward.

In order to get a diverse perspective on the progress of the mentoring, Brier spoke with military members, representatives from the U.S. Department of State and Nigerian Maj. Gen. Suraj Alao Abdurrahman, Command-Officer-In-Charge of the AFL. During the visit, Abdurrahman and Brier spoke extensively on the potential roles the AFL may play in the future.

“I’m very happy the Marines are here, and they are doing a good job,” said Abdurrahman.

“Disaster is something nobody prays for, but if it does occur, the people here know they have an army that will be there for them. The trust we are building is one of the big leaps forward for our military, and we are always moving forward.”

There is no external threat here, according to Abdurrahman. He said this allows the AFL to focus on internal improvements and creates a constructive environment for the Marines to mentor the AFL.

“Mentoring the AFL has been an extremely enlightening experience,” said U.S. Marine Master Sgt. Monte C. Stevens, senior enlisted advisor with Operation ONWARD LIBERTY. “This is the most fulfilling assignment I’ve had in 21 years of service. We are building a relationship here that will never end, and I feel blessed to be a part of it.”

Stevens looks at Liberia as America’s 51st state. From the close connection the U.S. government had with Liberia’s early years to the devastation of the Liberian Civil War, he is very knowledgeable about the country’s history. He laments that the majority of the soldiers he is mentoring grew up under the dark shadow of years of conflict. He says they grew up without school, running and hiding to stay alive.

“I joined to help the people of Liberia,” said Liberian 1st Lt. T.A. Dana, AFL Disaster Response Company Commander, whose big, bright eyes reflect hope in the country’s future. “We want to be able to respond to any crisis and provide humanitarian assistance for our neighbors. Overall, ONWARD LIBERTY has been a fun, hectic experience, but as a young military, we are all always eager to learn.”

The U.S. government has been providing support to Liberia's Armed Forces defense sector reform since 2006. The current program is coordinated with the assistance of the U.S. and the Economic Community of Western African States partner nations. Brier’s visit was vital to gauge the progress and well being of the U.S. military personnel who are partnering with the AFL as well as to show support for their tireless efforts to help build institutional, operational, and human capacity in the AFL.