NIAMEY, Niger -- The U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve ethos is mobilization and combat readiness. This is to guarantee that the Marines of MARFORRES are ready when their nation calls. For the two reservists of the Trans-Sahara Counter Terrorist Initiative Mobile Training Team the MARFORRES philosophy holds true.
Cpl. George Kelly, translator, TSCTI, and Staff Sgt. Steve Long, instructor/trainer, TSCTI, both members of the Inactive Ready Reserve, jumped at the chance of being part of the State Department's program to enhance the capabilities of Africa's Sahel region and stem the flow of illicit arms, goods, and terrorists in the area by training select military units from the countries of Chad and Niger. As part of the 24 Marines and Sailors from various units within the Marine Corps who formed the MTT, the two leathernecks joined the rest of the team in training the soldiers of Chad and Niger in basic infantry skills up to company level tactics. The four-months-long mission gave the two Marines an opportunity to see Africa and serve their country, fighting the war on terrorism in a unique way.
Kelly, a Washington, D.C., native, had worked for a business news service that reported on corporation govern nets prior to coming on the mission. The 40 years old Marine felt an urge for something more and turned to the Marine Corps for answers.
"I was looking for a change of pace and a chance to deploy before my time ran out in the reserves. I checked the Marine On-Line website, and it had a list of billets open to the reserves," said Kelly.
The fluent French-speaking Marine noticed an opening to go to Djibouti, Africa, as an interpreter. However, upon his processing at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejuene, he learned he'd be going to Chad and Niger instead. The slight change only intrigued Kelly more.
"I had always been interested in seeing Africa, but I had never been. So, I was glad to get this opportunity to go," said Kelly.
Although, he possessed a strong command of the French language, he still encountered difficulties with the language barriers between the countries. Because of the language diversity, Kelly had to work diligently to improve his skills in support of the MTT's mission.
"The most challenging thing for me was building a vocabulary in the areas that I was translating in such as military and medical. I also had to find someone who could translate from French to Arabic in Chad and from French to Housa in Niger," said Kelly.
Yet even with the hurdle of the language variety within the countries, Kelly said he found the demands of his job in the MTT minimal and enjoyed the opportunities it presented to him. Specifically, he enjoyed translating the sniper training given by the MTT to the Nigerien soldiers.
"I learned a lot, and it gave me a chance to work with some very motivated soldiers," said Kelly.
Long, the plans and policies chief, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe, had learned of the mission while it was in its early stages of development, and had a hand in the details of its planning. The Marine Corps Martial Arts and Small Arms Weapon instructor became so involved with the program that he decided he wanted to actually make a physical contribution to the mission and volunteered to be a part of the MTT. His presence was instrumental as he was often called on to help revise the training.
"I think in the end I did my part in what was a team mission," said the 32-year- old Long, who hails from Irmo, S.C.
According to Maj. Paul A. Baker, officer in charge, TSCTI, the contributions of both Marines were a major factor in the successful completion of the mission.
"The assistance of Kelly and Long are unquestionable. Kelly made 50 percent of our translating force, which enabled us to communicate with the soldiers. Staff Sgt. Long was instrumental in establishing the shooting range in Chad. They enabled us to complete our mission," said Baker.
Now, nearing the completion of the mission, Kelly focuses his attention on a new goal. He plans to take a course to be a teacher of conversational English in either Spain or Germany. Long, returning to MARFOREUR, plans for a change as well. He's looking for any new opportunities that may lie within the reserves. However, neither will forget the experience of this mission.
"I'm just glad I got a chance to come here," smiled Kelly as he recalled all he accomplished while in country.