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On 7/19/2011 2:35:27 PM Sergeant Daniel T. West, 358th Public Affairs Detachment wrote
As Africa Endeavor enters the heart of its final phase, participants seem pleased with the results so far. Among the technical details learned or refreshed in the minds of participants is a lesson about cooperation.
For Ugandan Lieutenant Abdallah Matovu Kamoga, learning about how other countries conducted business was quite valuable although he learned few new techniques in communication.
His only suggestion? The exercise should be longer, giving more time for instruction at the beginning.
The biggest hurdle to be overcome, and it wasn't a big one, was the language barrier. With some interpreters, he said, that was overcome.
When asked what lesson he wished to take back to his country, he simply stated they should have more exercises like Africa Endeavor. Not international exercises, simply communications exercises where participants must use what they've learned to overcome whatever problems present themselves, not just known issues.
"Today's problems are not always the same as tomorrow's problems," he said. "By doing exercises every now and then it helps us learn to deal with problems."
Canadian Warrant Officer Serge Boily, another first-time participant, simply stated his goal as an instructor.
"If they can learn from us, that's the reason we're here," he said.
Of course, the teachers also learned from their pupils.
"I've learned to slow down and take the time to look at what's around you," said Boily. "They [the Africans] take the time to weigh everything out, and it makes a lot of sense. I do need to do that, take that lesson back home."
Language issues, as with Kamoga, ranked highest among difficulties faced in fostering cooperation between the militaries of different nations. Those proved entirely surmountable, though.
For Major Yombo Ouoba, of Burkina Faso, the language problems surfaced during his interview. Easily overcome, through an interpreter, he made his thoughts on Africa Endeavor known.
In his first time here, he likes what he sees. Rather than regional work, the cooperation of nations from across Africa proved very educational.
He felt it was very important to work with the militaries of other countries with whom he had never interacted, such as those from the eastern region of Africa.
"I've been able to see others' equipment and identify the right kinds of equipment we need to get," said Ouoba.
Although the command post exercise is nearly done, and with it the whole exercise, the full results of Africa Endeavor 2011 will be measured in continuing cooperation and friendships built through several weeks of hard work. Those results have not come back yet, but their seeds will bear fruit throughout the year as participants prepare for next year's Africa Endeavor.
On 8/23/2011 12:42:17 AM Trinadad Kaiu in Waianae Valley, Waianae, Hawaii wrote I am gifted to have made it to this point in my effort to remain involved in Education Center at tripler HAwaii to gain the CAreeer of my choice. I am sure the Red cross will be a wonderfull blessing to Africa. I have One Nergo Son 21 and driving an d one pouerto rican Chinese son and daughter.
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