U.S. 'train the trainer' in Africa

As part of the ongoing U.S. Department of State Africa Contingency Operations Training & Assistance (ACOTA) program, three U.S. Army Africa (USARAF) Soldiers are mentoring members of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) on basic soldiering skills in preparation for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISON).

USARAF Military Mentors 1st Lt. Salvatore Buzzurro, Sgt. 1st Class Grady Hyatt, and Sgt. Maj. Gavin McIlvenna assisted the Department of State as they trained RSLAF soldiers in preparation for deployment.

"The AMISON mission is a shift from peacekeeping operation to a more kinetic-oriented operation, and these changes require a different approach to training and preparation," Buzzurro said. "Our mentoring team brings combat experience from both Iraq and Afghanistan which combined with the instruction of the ACOTA program enhances the capabilities of the unit to accomplish its mission."

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