FISCAL YEAR 1994:
E- IMET (Expanded International Military Education and Training): DoD conducted Phase III of the Naval Justice Seminar in Kigali from 17-21 Jan 94 in support of the Arusha Peace Agreement at a cost of $35.6K. The four instructors wore service Dress B uniform. A total of 33 former Rwandan Government military and civilian officials and 19 military and civilian officials of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) were trained. Of the 19 RPF officials, 12 were Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) officers. The instructors did not transfer any equipment to either the former Rwandan government or to the RPA and re-deployed with all its equipment. Source of funding: FY94 State Foreign Operations, IMET.
JOINT TASK FORCE SUPPORT HOPE: In support of humanitarian relief operations, DoD deployed a total of 2100 U.S. military personnel to the region as part of JTF Support Hope. The JTF Headquarters location was at Entebbe, Uganda, with logistical operations in Goma and Bukavu, Zaire, Nairobi and Mombassa, Kenya, and Kigali. In Rwanda, the JTF was established on 30 July 94 and sustained an 24-hour expanded air-logistics site at Kigali International Airport. Kigali served as the focal point for UNHCR/NGO coordination/activity and the hub for all relief flights in support of humanitarian relief operations. At the height of the operation, there were about 200 JTF U.S. military personnel in Kigali including Civil-Military Operation Center (CMOC), a large U.S. Air Force Tactical Airlift Liaison and Control Element (TALCE), other staff and logistical personnel, and a Military Police detachment for force protection of U.S. military personnel. The JTF neither conducted nor was authorized to conduct training or operations with either the former Government of Rwanda or with the RPA. The JTF began drawing down Kigali operations in late August and terminated operations on 30 Sep 94. Upon its departure, the JTF transferred some logistical equipment (water support equipment, tractor trucks, and trailers) to international organizations and re-deployed with all other equipment. It did not transfer any equipment to either the former Government of Rwanda or the RPA. Source of funding: DoD Operations and Maintenance (O&M).
EMBASSY SUPPORT: During the period 29 July-10 Aug, two U.S. Army officers (one assigned to the Department of State and one to the Office of the Secretary of Defense) and two Special Forces NCOs accompanied the U.S. Ambassador and staff to Kigali to re-establish the American Embassy. The NCOs set-up and operated temporary Embassy communications, did not transfer any equipment to the RPA, and re-deployed with all equipment. Source of funding: DoD O&M.
FISCAL YEAR 1995:
HUMANITARIAN DEMINING PROGRAM: In January and February 1995, DoD participated in an interagency assessment and an European Command site assessment to determine the parameters, scope, and extent of a humanitarian demining program. During the period 18 July-30 Aug 95, 35 U.S. military personnel established a National Demining Office (NDO) and trained 120 RPA personnel for the NDO at a cost of $1.2 million. DoD also funded the operations of a U.S. contractor, RONCO, for a demining dog training program including equipment and services at a cost of $1.4 million. Personnel wore BDUs with soft cap. With the exception of equipment purchased or acquired in support of humanitarian demining operations (Tab 4), the team re-deployed with all its equipment. Source of funding: DoD O&M (OHDACA-Demining).
E-IMET: DoD conducted Phase II of the Military Justice Seminar at the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, 24-30 June 95 for eight RPA junior officers and then Phase III (Human Rights and Rule of Law) in Kigali, 11-15 Sept 95, for 30 RPA officers and NCOs at a cost of $31K. The four instructors wore service Dress B uniform and remained in Kigali throughout the deployment. They did not transfer any equipment to the RPA and re-deployed with all equipment. One RPA officer attended the International Defense Management Course (resource and budget management), Monterey, California, 25 Sep-8 Dec 95, at a cost of $15K. Both courses are Expanded-IMET. Total FY95 funding: $50K. Source of funding: FY 95 State Foreign Operations, IMET.
EQUIPMENT SUPPORT TO THE RPA: In support of the humanitarian demining program, DoD provided demining equipment, medical supplies, off-the-shelf communications equipment and other support materials to the NDO. Equipment was used to establish the NDO in Kigali and to train RPA humanitarian deminers. Source of funding: DoD O&M (OHDACA-Demining).
FISCAL YEAR 1996:
E-IMET: DoD conducted Phase IV (investigation and prosecution principles) and V (investigative/court room procedures, dossier preparation, and new genocide law) of the Naval Justice Seminar in Kigali during the periods 29 April-3 May 96 for 34 RPA and Gendarmerie officers and enlisted personnel and 6-17 Sept 96 for 36 military and Ministry of Justice officials. Cost of the two seminars was $114.2K. The five instructors wore service Dress B and remained in Kigali. They did not transfer any equipment to the RPA and re-deployed with all equipment. One RPA officer attended the International Defense Management Course, Monterey, California, 16 Sep-6 Dec 96, at a cost of $16.2K. IMET also funded acquisition of one 10-position English Language Laboratory at a cost of $30K. Total FY96 funding: $243K. All courses were E-IMET. Source of funding: FY96 State Foreign Operations, IMET.
JOINT/COMBINED EXCHANGE TRAINING (JCET): Nine U.S. military personnel conducted a JCET during the period 15 Jul-30 Aug 96 for 30 RPA soldiers with a focus on small unit leader training, tactical skills, land navigation, first aid, and basic rifle marksmanship. Tactical skills training focused on tactical patrolling. The basic rifle marksmanship training was conducted over a period of one day at the Gabiro training area in eastern Rwanda and included familiarization and qualification of assigned weapons. During training in Kigali, personnel wore BDUs without LBE or weapons. During the one-day rifle markmanship training in Gabiro, personnel wore BDUs with vest-style LBE (canteen, first aid pouch) and carried assigned weapons (M4 rifle and 9mm pistol). With the exception of the one-day rifle markmanship training at Gabiro, JCET personnel remained and conducted all training in Kigali. While in Kigali, the M4 rifles were secured at the JCET training site. The team did not transfer any equipment to the RPA and re-deployed with all its equipment. Cost: $67K. Source of funding: DoD O&M.
HUMANITARIAN DEMINING PROGRAM: Twelve U.S. military personnel conducted refresher humanitarian demining training for 72 RPA personnel as part of the National Demining Office during the period 2 Sept-5 Oct 96 at a cost of $160K. Training focused on mine clearance, minefield survey techniques, mine marking, land navigation, and medical training. Team also provided assistance in integrating RONCO-trained demining dogs (see FY95 program) into Rwandan demining operations. Nine other U.S. military personnel conducted specialized training for the National Demining Office in the areas of mine awareness and an assessment of earlier humanitarian demining training at a cost of $38K. Personnel wore BDUs with soft cap or green berets. In accordance with SOCOM policy, demining team members deployed to Rwanda with assigned weapons. The weapons were immediately secured in the American Embassy and were not used for any activity throughout the team’s deployment. With the exception of equipment purchased or acquired in support of humanitarian demining operations (Tab 4), the team re-deployed with all unit equipment. Source of funding: FY95 State Foreign Operations, FMF (Demining).
EQUIPMENT SUPPORT TO THE RPA: In support of the humanitarian demining program, DoD provided demining equipment to the NDO. These materials supported NDO operations in Kigali and humanitarian assistance program training. Demining funds also purchased office equipment, demining materials, and medical supplies. At the end of the U.S. contract with RONCO, equipment purchased in support RONCO demining operations were transferred to DoD humanitarian demining program for NDO operations. Source of funding: DoD O&M (OHDACA-Demining). As noted above, DoD acquired via FY96 IMET a 10-position English language laboratory.
FISCAL YEAR 1997:
CIVIL AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION MTTs: DoD conducted two MTTs with a focus on training Rwandan civilian and military personnel in operations to assist repatriation of refugees and other displaced civilians, and in planning and conducting public information campaigns supporting refugee repatriation and reintegration. Coincidentally, the teams deployed to Rwanda about two weeks before the mass repatriation from Zaire and formed the basis of JTF Guardian Assistance’s CMOC in late November 1996. Source of funding: DoD O&M (OHDACA-Humanitarian Assistance), total of $176. 5K for the following MTTs --
A. Civil Affairs MTT: During the period 2 Nov-10 Dec 1996, a five-person U.S. military Civil Affairs team trained 44 students from the RPA and Rwandan Gendarmerie. Instruction included civil affairs planning, operations, assessments, emergency/ disaster relief, working with NGOs, operations to support displaced civilians, and establishing and managing camps for refugees/Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The team then conducted 5 days of practical exercises which included visits to the border at Gisenyi, and assessments of a UNHCR camp for returning refugees and of a commune level transit camp. During instruction phase, personnel wore BDUs with soft cap. On 16 November, two CA team members visited the Gisyeni repatriation crossing site (the other three remained in Kigali) and then returned the same day to Kigali. The two team members wore BDUs with soft cap but did not have load bearing equipment (LBE) or weapons. CA team members did not deploy to Rwanda with or carry weapons. Effective 17 November and establishment of a CMOC in support of Operation Guardian Assistance (GA), the CA personnel were attached to the JTF-GA CMOC and remained with the JTF in Kigali through the remainder of their redeployment. Team members wore civilian clothes worked directly with the JTF Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team (HAST). The team leaders attended most JTF meetings with UN, NGOs, and PVOs. The team did not transfer any equipment to the RPA or Gendarmerie and re-deployed with all equipment. For cost information, see above.
B. Public Information MTT: During the period 2-27 Nov 96, a five-person U.S. military Public Information training team conducted a train-the-trainer program for Rwandan Defense Ministry personnel in planning, developing, and carrying out multi-media information campaigns with an emphasis on refugee repatriation and reconciliation themes. The course consisted of two weeks of classroom training, followed by one week of practical exercises. Subjects included information campaign planning, target audience analysis, media selection, and product development (print, posters, video, and radio). In the practical phase of the training, the U.S. Public Information team and Rwandan Defense Ministry students conducted impromptu interviews with returning refugees at Gisenyi and Ruhengeri concerning the effect of public information messages transmitted by the Rwanda Government and by the ex-FAR/Interahamwe located in Zaire. The team also produced a leaflet and loudspeaker/radio messages for use at the border (note: the RPA does not possess loudspeaker equipment; the team did not deploy with loudspeakers). The products encouraged refugees to return to a safe homeland and sought to counter the ex-FAR/ Interahamwe message that returnees would be killed upon their return to Rwanda. Effective 19 November, the Public Information Team was attached to the JTF’s Joint Psychological Operations Task Force (JPOTF) and remained with the JTF throughout the remainder of the redeployment. Training with the Rwandan Defense Ministry ended at this point. Upon their arrival in Kigali, Public Information team members wore BDUs with red berets but without LBE or weapons. A few days after their arrival, however, all team members wore civilian clothes and remained in civilian clothes for the duration their stay in Rwanda. Team members did not deploy to Rwanda with or carry weapons. The team and did not transfer any equipment to the Defense Ministry or RPA and re-deployed with all equipment. For cost information, see above.
JOINT TASK FORCE GUARDIAN ASSISTANCE : In response to a major humanitarian crisis, DoD deployed military assessment and logistics personnel to the Great Lakes region, in preparation for possible U.S. military participation in the Canadian-led Multi-National Humanitarian Force (MNHF). DoD deployed about 325 U.S. military personnel to the region with the main JTF Headquarters at Entebbe, Uganda. The JTF also established a small Forward Headquarters in Kigali, arriving via C-141 aircraft on 14 Nov 96. JTF-Forward’s mission was to assess the humanitarian situation, coordinate for the use of facilities and infrastructure, and effect direct coordination with the American Embassy, international (UNHCR, UN Great Lakes Coordinator, WFP) and non-governmental relief organizations (International Rescue Committee, Catholic Relief Services), and Government of Rwanda officials. Throughout the mission, JTF-Forward never exceeded more than 25-30 members in Kigali.
At various times, U.S. military presence in Rwanda included the JTF Commander, his military assistants, a HAST, Surgeon, Public Affairs Officer, a communications team (with SATCOM), and specialists with expertise and responsibilities for logistics, facilities/ infrastructure, contracting, public health and engineering. As noted above, in mid-November, the JTF established a small CMOC and Joint Psychological Operations Task Force (JPOTF) in Kigali. All JTF personnel were U.S. Army and Air Force personnel. Initially, JTF-Forward was billeted in the DCM’s residence and subsequently expanded to the Embassy residence of the Public Affairs Officer. At both sites, the JTF established SATCOM communications with JTF-Main in Entebbe. All personnel wore BDUs without LBE. Some wore soft caps and others wore maroon-color berets. All personnel arrived in Kigali with assigned weapons which were immediately secured at the DCM and PAO residences. JTF-Forward began to redeploy from Kigali in late November and terminated all Kigali operations by 8 December. The JTF’s mandated ended and redeployed from the region on 27 Dec. The JTF re-deployed with all equipment and did not transfer equipment either to the RPA or to the Government of Rwanda.
As a matter of policy and practice, the JTF did not conduct any training of the Rwandan military. JTF contacts with the Rwandan military were strictly limited to official coordination on humanitarian issues through the Defense Attaché Office. On two occasions, CMOC representatives visited refugee repatriation sites and transit centers, including team members of the Civil Affairs and Public Information MTTs. CMOC representatives conducted informal interviews with returning refugees and coordinated with international relief organization officials. On 27 November, CA and Public Information team members, accompanied with their students as observers, traveled to the Nkamira Transit Camp in Gisyeni Prefecture. The students observed the repatriation and assisted in refugee interviews and coordination with international relief organizations. The CMOC representatives did not bring any of their equipment to the refugee repatriation site or transit centers. On this occasion, these U.S. military personnel wore civilian clothes and, for DoD force protection purposes, carried 9mm pistols concealed under their shirt.
The Department of State and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) each deployed one liaison officer to the JTF. These two officers, an U.S. Army Colonel assigned to State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs and an U.S. Marine Major assigned to OSD’s Office of Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance (he was the only Marine officer in Rwanda), arrived with the JTF in Kigali on 14 Nov 96. Both officers wore BDUs upon arrival in Kigali and civilian clothes thereafter. The two officers assisted with coordination efforts among the HAST, American Embassy officials, international and non-government organizations, and Government of Rwanda officials. Of particular note, the Army Colonel accompanied AID’s DART team to eastern Zaire during its two day liaison and survey visit in mid-November. He served as State’s representative to the DART and traveled to Zaire on a diplomatic passport. The Colonel was the only U.S. military officer to enter Zaire during the JTF mission. The Army Colonel departed Kigali on 20 November, the Marine Major on 26 November.
Source of funding: DoD O&M. State funded all incremental costs of the U.S. Army Colonel assigned to its PM Bureau.
CIVIL AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC INFORMATION MTTs: In early 1997, the Rwanda Government requested follow-on civil affairs and public information training to build upon training conducted in the fall of 1996. Source of funding: DoD O&M (OHDACA-Humanitarian Assistance), at a programmed cost of $127.4K for the following MTTs --
A. Civil Affairs MTT: A four-person U.S. military Civil Affairs training team arrived in Kigali on 15 March to conduct civil affairs training. Upon the team’s arrival, the Government of Rwanda informed the team that urgent operational requirements in refugee resettlement and transit areas precluded availability of those students earmarked for the civil affairs training and requested cancellation of the training. Several team members remained in Kigali in support of the humanitarian demining MTT (see below); others returned to home station. During its short stay, the team remained in Kigali and wore BDUs with soft caps or maroon berets but without LBE. In accordance with American Embassy policy, CA team members did not deploy to Rwanda with or carry weapons. The team did not transfer any equipment to the RPA and re-deployed with all equipment. For cost information, see above.
B. Public Information MTT: A three-person U.S. military Public Information training team conducted a public information MTT during the period 15 March-20 April 1997. While the Nov-Dec 96 training focused on the mass refugee repatriation, this instruction was designed to establish a public information capability at both the national and local level, to promulgate a message of national reconciliation, and to help reintegrate recent returnees. The Team trained and helped establish the Rwandan Military Information Platoon which has the mission of producing posters and other media products for dissemination by small teams traveling throughout the country. The Platoon posts its products at refugee transit camps. The team remained in Kigali and wore BDUs with maroon beret. On two occasions in late March and early April 97, Public Information team members visited the Nyakinama commune in Ruhengeri Prefecture. On these occasions, team members wore BDUs with maroon beret but without LBE or weapons. In accordance with American Embassy policy, Public Information team members did not deploy to Rwanda with or carry weapons. The team did not transfer any equipment to the RPA and re-deployed with all equipment. For cost information, see above.
HUMANITARIAN DEMINING PROGRAM: Ten U.S. military personnel conducted train-the-trainer training during the period 28 Mar-24 May 97 with emphasis on staff procedures and skills in the National Demining Office (NDO). The team also established a computer training program in the NDO, revitalized the NDO’s data collection center, and conducted mine awareness training. Another 11-person U.S. military team including a 4-man EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team conducted training for 93 RPA deminers and EOD personnel during the period 25 May-14 July. The teams trained a 4th platoon of humanitarian deminers that included instruction in communications, medical training, and EOD procedures. All NDO and demining training was conducted at the NDO in Kigali. EOD training was conducted at the Rebero training site in eastern Rwanda. All personnel wore BDUs without LBE. With the exception of equipment purchased or acquired in support of humanitarian demining operations (Tab 4), the team re-deployed with all unit equipment. Cost: humanitarian demining program funded in FY97 at $1.6 million. Source of funding: FY 97 DoD O&M (OHDACA-Demining).
JCET: Nine U.S. military personnel, currently in Rwanda, are conducting a three phase training activity during the period 15 July-30 Aug with focus on leadership development training for junior officers and NCOs at the RPA training center at Gako in south central Rwanda. In phase I, the team will conduct a Leadership Development course for 30 RPA personnel. The course includes training in the law of war and human rights, military leadership, decision-making, personnel and equipment maintenance, and soldier team development. In phase II, the team will provide instructor training to a cadre of 10 RPA personnel (instructor duties and responsibilities using small group instruction methods) and conduct the basic mountaineering course (rappelling, basic knots, rope bridges) for the remaining 20 personnel. In phase III, the team will advise, assist, and supervise RPA personnel who will conduct a Leadership Development Course for 60 additional RPA personnel. There will be no weapons or any lethal training. All personnel wear BDUs with vest-style LBE and soft caps and do not carry weapons. In accordance with SOCOM policy for all JCET operations, JCET personnel deployed to Rwanda with assigned weapons. While in Rwanda, all JCET weapons are secured at the training site in Gako and are not used in any training or other activity. The JCET will not transfer any equipment either to the Government of Rwanda or to the RPA and will re-deploy with all its equipment. Estimated cost: $59K. Source of funding: DoD O&M.
IMET: DoD conducted training with the primary focus on E-IMET courses in FY97 including International Defense Management Course, Military Legal Officer course, civil-military relations, English language instructor and lab maintenance course, quartermaster officer basic course, engineer officer basic course, and medical officer basic course. Two RPA officers attended the Civil-Military Strategy for International Development at Hulbert Field, Florida, during the period 28 Jul-8 Aug 97. IMET also funded installation of a 10-position language laboratory and acquisition of lab training materials (audio tapes, books, dictionaries, etc.) at a cost of $23K. During the period 19-21 May, two Department of the Army civilians installed the English language lab in Kigali. During the period 26 May-5 June 97, one U.S. Naval officer and one Department of the Navy civilian employee from the Defense International Health Resources Management Program conducted Phase I (an assessment) and IV (development of a health management training program to integrate military with civilian medical infrastructure/ activities for benefit of the civilian population) of the Health Resources Management Seminar in Kigali. During 27 Jul-1 Aug, six instructors from the Naval Justice School conducted Phase VI (training on trial advocacy for civilian and military prosecutors and investigators) of the Naval Justice Seminar in Kigali for 32 military and civilian prosecutors. Both the Health Resources and Naval Justice School personnel wore service Dress B uniform or BDUs and remained in Kigali. For all training activities in Rwanda, teams did not transfer any equipment to the RPA and re-deployed with all equipment. The two member language lab installation team, after installing the English language laboratory in Kigali, also re-deployed with all its equipment. Total FY97 IMET funded at $300K. Source of funding: FY97 State Foreign Operations, IMET.
EQUIPMENT SUPPORT TO THE RPA: In support of the humanitarian demining program, DoD provided demining equipment, medical supplies, off-the-shelf communications equipment and other support materials to the NDO. Equipment was used at the NDO and in support of humanitarian demining training of RPA humanitarian deminers. All equipment was maintained at the NDO in Kigali. Equipment purchase in support of RONCO operations, the DoD demining contractor, was transferred to the DoD Humanitarian Assistance program for use at the NDO. Source of funding: DoD O&M (OHDACA-Demining). As noted above, FY97 State Foreign Operations/IMET funded acquisition of English language laboratory instructional materials and a 10-position lab add-on.