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U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Phil Mayer, and explosive ordnance disposal technician with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, listens to Moroccan soldiers as they conduct ordnance reconnaissance on an inert mortar during a training exercise in Kenitra, Morocco, March 15, 2016. Students from across the Moroccan military branches are working together with U.S. Marine and Utah Air National Guard explosive ordnance disposal technicians and Utah National Guard engineers to build up Morocco’s demining capabilities. The training is part of the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program which has been assisting partner nations in developing their mine action capacity since 1988. - U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Phil Mayer, and explosive ordnance disposal technician with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, listens to Moroccan soldiers as they conduct ordnance reconnaissance on an inert mortar during a training exercise in Kenitra, Morocco, March 15, 2016. Students from across the Moroccan military branches are working together with U.S. Marine and Utah Air National Guard explosive ordnance disposal technicians and Utah National Guard engineers to build up Morocco’s demining capabilities. The training is part of the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action Program which has been assisting partner nations in developing their mine action capacity since 1988.

Senegalese soldiers completed a month-long training exercise with U.S. Marines, March 18, at a military training facility in Thies, Senegal. U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, trained their counterparts with Senegal’s Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando, or COFUMACO, in infantry tactics, making this the 10th training engagement the forces. In an effort to combat illicit trafficking in the region, the Marines were in Senegal at the request of the host nation government in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Dakar. The Marines trained with the COFUMACO in Toubacouta in the southern part of the country for two weeks before moving up to Thies. - Senegalese soldiers completed a month-long training exercise with U.S. Marines, March 18, at a military training facility in Thies, Senegal. U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, trained their counterparts with Senegal’s Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando, or COFUMACO, in infantry tactics, making this the 10th training engagement the forces. In an effort to combat illicit trafficking in the region, the Marines were in Senegal at the request of the host nation government in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Dakar. The Marines trained with the COFUMACO in Toubacouta in the southern part of the country for two weeks before moving up to Thies.

Senegalese soldiers learn how to use a pulley system and rope to remove an inert mortar round from the ground and move it safely to another spot in Bargny, Senegal March 8, 2016. The intent wasn’t to actually move the ordnance, rather to get the students familiar with different types of tools. Since Feb. 15, a group of explosive ordnance disposal technicians with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, began assisting Senegalese engineers as part of the Humanitarian Mine Action Program through what is called a train-the-trainer course. - Senegalese soldiers learn how to use a pulley system and rope to remove an inert mortar round from the ground and move it safely to another spot in Bargny, Senegal March 8, 2016. The intent wasn’t to actually move the ordnance, rather to get the students familiar with different types of tools. Since Feb. 15, a group of explosive ordnance disposal technicians with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, began assisting Senegalese engineers as part of the Humanitarian Mine Action Program through what is called a train-the-trainer course.

U.S. Marines and sailors are working with Cameroon’s Fusiliers Marins and Compagnie des Palmeurs de Combat to increase their capabilities to combat illicit activity and increase security in the waterways and borders of Cameroon. At the request of the Cameroonian government and through coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Marines and sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are teaching their military counterparts in infantry tactics to help build their maritime security force capabilities. - U.S. Marines and sailors are working with Cameroon’s Fusiliers Marins and Compagnie des Palmeurs de Combat to increase their capabilities to combat illicit activity and increase security in the waterways and borders of Cameroon. At the request of the Cameroonian government and through coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Marines and sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are teaching their military counterparts in infantry tactics to help build their maritime security force capabilities.

U.S. Marines with the Ground Combat Element, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, run toward an MV-22B Osprey after recovering a simulated casualty during an alert-force drill at Naval Station Rota, Spain, January 23, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is a self-sustaining crisis-response force prepared for the protection of American personnel and facilities on the African continent when directed. - U.S. Marines with the Ground Combat Element, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, run toward an MV-22B Osprey after recovering a simulated casualty during an alert-force drill at Naval Station Rota, Spain, January 23, 2016. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is a self-sustaining crisis-response force prepared for the protection of American personnel and facilities on the African continent when directed.

Nearly 30 Marines participate in a Tactical Combat Casualty Care course to learn how to save lives in combat situations, Dec. 14-18, 2015 on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. Medical officers and corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa taught the Marines how to apply emergency medical services to injured service members in the event a corpsman is injured or not near a casualty.The Marines and sailors are deployed to NAS Sigonella, Italy, with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa. - Nearly 30 Marines participate in a Tactical Combat Casualty Care course to learn how to save lives in combat situations, Dec. 14-18, 2015 on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy. Medical officers and corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa taught the Marines how to apply emergency medical services to injured service members in the event a corpsman is injured or not near a casualty.The Marines and sailors are deployed to NAS Sigonella, Italy, with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa.

Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers run to a notional injured soldier during a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 30, 2015. The UPDF medics and U.S. Navy corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are training together to improve tactical medical care skills while strengthening the bond between the partner nations. - Uganda People’s Defense Force soldiers run to a notional injured soldier during a tactical combat casualty care exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 30, 2015. The UPDF medics and U.S. Navy corpsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, are training together to improve tactical medical care skills while strengthening the bond between the partner nations.

An MV-22B Osprey with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa carves through mountain terrain during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise, Dec. 7, 2015 near Albacete, Spain. The TRAP is part of a month-long training curriculum hosted by the Tactical Leadership Programme, a 10 NATO nation collaboration, who train future flight commanders. - An MV-22B Osprey with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa carves through mountain terrain during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise, Dec. 7, 2015 near Albacete, Spain. The TRAP is part of a month-long training curriculum hosted by the Tactical Leadership Programme, a 10 NATO nation collaboration, who train future flight commanders.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Sean O’Hair (second from left), a combat engineer with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, is responsible for the safety of the Uganda’s People Defense Force soldiers during a breaching exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 25, 2015. The Marines and UPDF improved breaching capabilities as UPDF soldiers prepare for their African Union Mission in Somalia. - U.S. Marine Sgt. Sean O’Hair (second from left), a combat engineer with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, is responsible for the safety of the Uganda’s People Defense Force soldiers during a breaching exercise at Camp Singo, Uganda, Nov. 25, 2015. The Marines and UPDF improved breaching capabilities as UPDF soldiers prepare for their African Union Mission in Somalia.

U.S. Marines stand guard during a simulated civilian evacuation at the National Gendarmerie Tactical Training Center in Saint-Astier, France, Oct. 9. The exercise marks the third rotation of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa Marines training alongside the Gendarmerie. - U.S. Marines stand guard during a simulated civilian evacuation at the National Gendarmerie Tactical Training Center in Saint-Astier, France, Oct. 9. The exercise marks the third rotation of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa Marines training alongside the Gendarmerie.

U.S. Marines and Senegalese military members search a vehicle during a two-day training event aboard Bel-Air military base, Sept. 21-22 in Dakar, Senegal. The Marines, based out of Morón Air Base, Spain, are currently validating forward-staging capabilities in Dakar, Senegal, while building partnerships with their Senegalese counterparts. - U.S. Marines and Senegalese military members search a vehicle during a two-day training event aboard Bel-Air military base, Sept. 21-22 in Dakar, Senegal. The Marines, based out of Morón Air Base, Spain, are currently validating forward-staging capabilities in Dakar, Senegal, while building partnerships with their Senegalese counterparts.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter visits U.S. service members at Morón Air Base, Spain, Oct. 6, 2015. During his visit, Carter thanked the service members for their hard work and emphasized the importance of strategic transition in today’s changing global security environment. - U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter visits U.S. service members at Morón Air Base, Spain, Oct. 6, 2015. During his visit, Carter thanked the service members for their hard work and emphasized the importance of strategic transition in today’s changing global security environment.

Second Lt. Aaron Burtner, security cooperation team leader, poses for a photo with Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos after completing their final exercise with U.S. service members in Dakar, Senegal, September 17, 2015. The Marines and Coast Guardsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa spent four weeks training the COFUMACO on basic infantry tactics and small-boat operations as a part of a Maritime Security Force Assistance mission to increase interoperability with Senegal’s and strengthen the bond between the partner nations. - Second Lt. Aaron Burtner, security cooperation team leader, poses for a photo with Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commandos after completing their final exercise with U.S. service members in Dakar, Senegal, September 17, 2015. The Marines and Coast Guardsmen with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa spent four weeks training the COFUMACO on basic infantry tactics and small-boat operations as a part of a Maritime Security Force Assistance mission to increase interoperability with Senegal’s and strengthen the bond between the partner nations.

Benin National Surveillance Police students capture their intended target during an early morning raid exercise, Sept. 25, 2015, at Benin's Military Officer Academy in Toffo, Benin. More than 150 National Surveillance Police students graduated from a monthlong U.S. Marine Corps training evolution that included weapons handling, combat marksmanship, patrolling, close-quarters combat, tactical site exploitation, tactical questioning and the operations order process. - Benin National Surveillance Police students capture their intended target during an early morning raid exercise, Sept. 25, 2015, at Benin's Military Officer Academy in Toffo, Benin. More than 150 National Surveillance Police students graduated from a monthlong U.S. Marine Corps training evolution that included weapons handling, combat marksmanship, patrolling, close-quarters combat, tactical site exploitation, tactical questioning and the operations order process.

U.S. Marines and sailors accompanied Benin’s National Surveillance Police to Jesu Jro, Benin, Sept. 24, 2015, to conduct a combined border surveillance training exercise. The Marines and sailors with the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa came to Benin for a monthlong theater security cooperation mission to build the NSP’s capacity to counter illicit trafficking along the country’s borders. - U.S. Marines and sailors accompanied Benin’s National Surveillance Police to Jesu Jro, Benin, Sept. 24, 2015, to conduct a combined border surveillance training exercise. The Marines and sailors with the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa came to Benin for a monthlong theater security cooperation mission to build the NSP’s capacity to counter illicit trafficking along the country’s borders.

A U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy arrives to Dakar, Senegal with U.S. Marines and equipment from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, based out of Morón, Spain, to establish a cooperative security location, or CSL, Sept. 14. The CSL allows SPMAGTF-CR-AF to temporarily locate forces in areas where they can quickly respond to developing crises. - A U.S. Air Force C-5 Galaxy arrives to Dakar, Senegal with U.S. Marines and equipment from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, based out of Morón, Spain, to establish a cooperative security location, or CSL, Sept. 14. The CSL allows SPMAGTF-CR-AF to temporarily locate forces in areas where they can quickly respond to developing crises.

Benin National Surveillance Police commemorated the Sept. 11, 2001, anniversary attacks with U.S. Marines and sailors at the National Police Academy in Cotonou, Benin, today. The Marines and sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa are in Benin for a month-long training mission with the National Surveillance Police to help counter illicit trafficking along the country’s borders. During a break in the training, NPS students stood alongside Marines and sailors in formation for a brief ceremony to remember the day when more than 3,000 lives perished from the heinous terrorist attack. The ceremony began with the playing of taps, followed by three smoke cans, releasing colors of the Benin flag, symbolizing the partnership between the U.S. and Benin. - Benin National Surveillance Police commemorated the Sept. 11, 2001, anniversary attacks with U.S. Marines and sailors at the National Police Academy in Cotonou, Benin, today. The Marines and sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa are in Benin for a month-long training mission with the National Surveillance Police to help counter illicit trafficking along the country’s borders. During a break in the training, NPS students stood alongside Marines and sailors in formation for a brief ceremony to remember the day when more than 3,000 lives perished from the heinous terrorist attack. The ceremony began with the playing of taps, followed by three smoke cans, releasing colors of the Benin flag, symbolizing the partnership between the U.S. and Benin.

Corporal Tyler Jameson, a crew chief with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, looks out the back of an MV-22B Osprey while traveling from Morón Air Base to Naval Station Rota, Spain, during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise, August 3. The Marines flew approximately 60 miles from Morón Air Base to NS Rota to accomplish the TRAP mission. - Corporal Tyler Jameson, a crew chief with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, looks out the back of an MV-22B Osprey while traveling from Morón Air Base to Naval Station Rota, Spain, during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise, August 3. The Marines flew approximately 60 miles from Morón Air Base to NS Rota to accomplish the TRAP mission.

Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion and 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, measure detonation cord and create breaching charges during the urban breaching portion of a demolition package at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 10, 2015. The demolition package was conducted in preparation for an upcoming deployment, where the two units will be working together in support of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response- Africa. - Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion and 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, measure detonation cord and create breaching charges during the urban breaching portion of a demolition package at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 10, 2015. The demolition package was conducted in preparation for an upcoming deployment, where the two units will be working together in support of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response- Africa.

Gabonese Gendarmerie service members practice non-lethal compliance techniques at a Cooperative Security Location established by U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa in Libreville, Gabon, June 24, 2015. The Gendarmerie service members first completed a physically challenging circuit course to test their ability to remain calm and put their training to the test under fatigue and stress. The Marines, who are based out of Morón Air Base, Spain, are currently validating their forward-staging capabilities aboard the CSL while building partnerships with their Gabonese counterparts. - Gabonese Gendarmerie service members practice non-lethal compliance techniques at a Cooperative Security Location established by U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa in Libreville, Gabon, June 24, 2015. The Gendarmerie service members first completed a physically challenging circuit course to test their ability to remain calm and put their training to the test under fatigue and stress. The Marines, who are based out of Morón Air Base, Spain, are currently validating their forward-staging capabilities aboard the CSL while building partnerships with their Gabonese counterparts.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Edwin Soto, the team’s noncommissioned officer-in-charge, observes a Senegalese Gendarme during a vehicle search exercise with the National Gendarmerie near Diamniadio, Senegal, May 5, 2015. In a two-week-long course led by U.S. Marines, Senegal’s team of handpicked national policemen learned a systematic approach to personnel and vehicle searches to supplement their current procedures and strengthen their force. (Courtesy photo/Released) - U.S. Marine Sgt. Edwin Soto, the team’s noncommissioned officer-in-charge, observes a Senegalese Gendarme during a vehicle search exercise with the National Gendarmerie near Diamniadio, Senegal, May 5, 2015. In a two-week-long course led by U.S. Marines, Senegal’s team of handpicked national policemen learned a systematic approach to personnel and vehicle searches to supplement their current procedures and strengthen their force. (Courtesy photo/Released)

Spanish and U.S. Marine explosive ordnance disposal technicians monitor an bomb disposal robot during a training exercise in Sierra Del Retin, Spain, May 5, 2015. EOD technicians from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa joined their Spanish counterparts and completed a three-day training operation, which included live-demolition operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Paul Peterson/Released) - Spanish and U.S. Marine explosive ordnance disposal technicians monitor an bomb disposal robot during a training exercise in Sierra Del Retin, Spain, May 5, 2015. EOD technicians from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa joined their Spanish counterparts and completed a three-day training operation, which included live-demolition operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Paul Peterson/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Thomas Savage, right, commanding officer, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, shakes hands with a Portuguese Marine after an assault training exercise near Lisbon, Portugal, April 10, 2015. Marines stationed out of Moron Air Base, Spain, traveled to Portugal to utilize a variety of different ranges and training exercises alongside with the Portuguese Marines. After a week of training together, Marines and Fuzileiros were more familiar with each other's tactics and operating procedures. (U.S. Marine Corps photograph by Lance Cpl. Christopher Mendoza/Released) - U.S. Marine Corps Col. Thomas Savage, right, commanding officer, Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, shakes hands with a Portuguese Marine after an assault training exercise near Lisbon, Portugal, April 10, 2015. Marines stationed out of Moron Air Base, Spain, traveled to Portugal to utilize a variety of different ranges and training exercises alongside with the Portuguese Marines. After a week of training together, Marines and Fuzileiros were more familiar with each other's tactics and operating procedures. (U.S. Marine Corps photograph by Lance Cpl. Christopher Mendoza/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Andrew Cooper, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, demonstrates the capabilities of a remote controlled robot used by EOD Marines to the Spanish Defense Force’s Unidad Militar de Emergencias, an emergency response force, at Morón Air Base, Spain, Feb. 18, 2015. The Marines used the demonstration as an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with UME personnel and set the stage for future joint training exercises. (U.S. Marine Corps photograph by Lance Cpl. Christopher Mendoza/Released) - U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Andrew Cooper, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa, demonstrates the capabilities of a remote controlled robot used by EOD Marines to the Spanish Defense Force’s Unidad Militar de Emergencias, an emergency response force, at Morón Air Base, Spain, Feb. 18, 2015. The Marines used the demonstration as an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with UME personnel and set the stage for future joint training exercises. (U.S. Marine Corps photograph by Lance Cpl. Christopher Mendoza/Released)