CAMP TAHOUA, Niger -- More than 200 service members arrived here March 5 for Exercise Shared Accord 2006.
Shared Accord is a bilateral exercise designed to promote interoperability between the U.S. and Niger. The exercise also improves the overall planning and operational capabilities of the Trans-Sahara Counter Terrorism Initiative, a U.S. government program designed to help develop the internal security forces necessary to control borders and combat terrorism and other illegal activity.
Company F, 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment will conduct a variety of combined training with the Forces Armees Nigeriennes (FAN), or Nigerien Armed Forces during the exercise taking place here March 5-18.
"Fox Co., 2/24 will provide one-on-one training with two Nigerien rifle companies," said Gunnery Sgt. Paul V. Zogg, 2nd Battalion's armorer. "The company is going to focus on marksmanship training, patrolling and security and stability operations during the joint training."
Earlier this year, a small group of U.S. troops trained with the FAN and gave them a taste of the training the U.S. had to offer.
"Instead of having five troops train 150 troops, the Marines are going to train each Nigerien individually," said Master Sgt. Michael P. Winiecki, Camp Tahoua commandant. "Like in the School of Infantry, the Marines will train the Nigeriens by the numbers and correct them when they need correcting. Also, our officers will train with theirs to improve their command and control capabilities."
As well as helping improve their military, Shared Accord 06 aims at improving the health and well being of the Nigerien people through several humanitarian aid projects. Elements of the Marines' 4th Medical Battalion, the Army's 404th Civil Affairs Bn. and the Air Force's 444th Aerospace Medical Squadron will provide humanitarian assistance in the form of limited medical and dental exams and renovation projects.
"The (444th AMS) will go to local towns and give out vitamins and take care of the people's immediate, treatable needs," said Lt. Cmdr. Andrew E. Zwolski, 2/24 battalion surgeon. "The Air Force will also provide dental treatment to the Nigeriens that need it."