Flocks of ear-splittingly vocal, resistant goats gather under the brutally humid mid-morning sun in a patch of flattened grass approximately the size of a football field. The field rests just outside the remote Beninese village of Sinede, and is marked on one side by a line of humvees and sport utility vehicles, and enclosed on the other by village walls. Today is Veterinary Civil Assistance Project day, and it’s rumble time.
An American military medical specialty team joined with Beninese military and civilian components for a five-day, two-county treatment evolution June 11-15. The evolution is just one component of Exercise SHARED ACCORD, a scheduled 15-day bilateral training exercise.
“Our goal is to create a high impact by providing (veterinary) treatment, and sharing experience and education with local indigenous Beninese,” said Army Capt. Mrunal Vyas, an environmental science officer with 4/4th Civil Affairs Group, and Metuchen, NJ, native. “We’re looking at the instant benefit of treatment, but also at the long-term benefits as people practice what they learn.”
The medical specialty team plans to treat more than 50,000 animals during the evolution, said Vyas. Their goal will be accomplished by treating as many animals as possible at several local sites, then providing education and topical treatment applications for the Beninese villagers to take home and use.
The team’s plan is part of a larger effort by the Benin military to reach out to the local community, said Benin Army veterinarian Col. Denis Mikode.
“There are two main counties surrounding our military base,” said Mikode. “Our goal is to enhance the economic power of these local counties with complete care. We address human physical health issues first, and provide treatment for the animals too. This results in a stronger, more profitable economy.”
With the aid of translators, Benin and U.S. service members worked closely with agriculture students from several area high schools, instructing them in the causes and prevention of common ailments, and accurate treatment of animals.
Local mason and farmer Imoriu Chabi brought his favorite dog to the VETCAP for de-worming medication. His goats, sheep and cattle had already made the trek into town for medication.
“I’ve never seen such a thing before,” said Chabi. “We are all amazed that we can bring our animals to be treated for free by the U.S. and Benin forces. It’s a tremendous change, and marks the beginning of a new relationship with Benin officials.”
However, local Sinede farmers weren’t the only ones pleased by the day’s events. Lance Cpl. Nicholas Evans, an infantryman with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division was happy to jump into the action, too. Evans and his counterparts accompanied the medical team to provide security and communications support, but it wasn’t long before the majority of his team were involved in chasing down cattle and administering oral treatments.
“All of us wanted to get a little hands-on experience,” said the Mobile, Ala., native, and first-time wrangler. “This has been a pretty good experience – not something I’d do every day, but a good once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Evans said he was impressed with the local people. “They’re very polite,” he noted. “They stand in line with no problem, and they’re very friendly. They’ve been out working in the sun all day without water – tough people. It’s an honor to be here helping in any capacity.”
The medical assistance team advertised the VETCAP by meeting with local leaders, but still said their biggest challenge was getting word out in a timely manner.
“We spoke to the mayors, but people only really believe us when they see it, so it’s going to take some time for word to get out,” said Vyas. “Another issue we’re seeing is negligence in animal care because of lack of vaccinations, medications and education.
We saw motor oil poured into a sheep’s puncture wound to keep the flies out. The treatment works for that purpose, but then you have the issue of motor oil in one of the sheep’s five stomachs.”
U.S. and Beninese translators were an integral part of the day’s success, added Vyas.
“The translators were absolutely effective,” Vyas said. “There’s always the issue of differing dialects, but we were able to effectively communicate because of them.”
The final word from locals?
“I wish the visit can be repeated,” said Chabi. “They would be welcomed.”
SHARED ACCORD is aimed at conducting small unit infantry and staff training with the Beninese military. Additionally, SHARED ACCORD will involve other medical related local humanitarian assistance efforts.
At the conclusion of the exercise, U.S. troops will return home.