OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso -- Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 13 recently completed a week-long non-lethal weapons capabilities demonstration with Burkinabé Gendarmerie Nov. 11-15, 2013, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The Marines and approximately 40 Gendarmerie spent the week demonstrating and comparing the various non-lethal weapons tactics used by their respective forces. These comparisons occurred both in the classroom and in live technique demonstrations.
“The first couple of days were spent in the classroom, establishing a baseline,” said Capt. Reno Bamford, the non-lethal weapons training team leader from Denver, Co.
In the classroom, the two forces discussed historical crowd-control scenarios from a tactical perspective. After the classes, the Marines and Gendarmerie demonstrated many different crowd-control formations, utilizing riot gear to include shields, shin guards, helmets and batons.
“Once we began the demonstration portion, the Gendarmerie became tremendously engaged and enjoyed the hands-on application of the techniques,” said Bamford.
Although their techniques and formations varied, the two forces both learned from each other.
“It was interesting to see [the Gendarmerie’s] crowd-control tactics and techniques,” said Sgt. Eric Edwards, a non-lethal weapons instructor from Richmond, Va. “I developed a new respect for what can be done despite limited equipment.”
After just one week together, the Marines and the Gendarmerie established camaraderie and mutual respect.
“Overall, it was a fantastic experience, and I would enjoy working with them again in the future,” said Edwards.