By Capt. Eric Streeter and Philip Regina
Each year, U.S. Army Soldiers and U.S. Marines team up with military allies in other countries for the African Lion (AL24) exercise, a two-week-long event that brings training and humanitarian efforts to Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia.
Consisting of 8,100 participants from over 27 nations and contingents from NATO, the 20th annual event held a multitude of activities during the two-week exercise, including combined infantry tactics led by the Maryland Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, a comprehensive staff exercise orchestrated by the U.S. Army’s 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, and a medical exchange led by U.S. Marine Forces Reserve. The exercise also provided an opportunity for local communities to engage with the visiting forces to help strengthen civil-military relations.
“African Lion 2024 offers an excellent training opportunity due to its diverse terrain, challenging climate, and continued potential for international collaboration,” noted Capt. Luc Laudy, commander, Delta Company, 44th Armored Infantry Battalion, RLNA. “The lessons learned and relationships forged here will undoubtedly contribute to regional stability and strengthen our preparedness for future challenges.”
In addition to the tactical and strategic benefits, AL24 fostered a spirit of camaraderie, mutual respect and understanding amongst the troops through the combined training sessions, cultural exchanges, shared experiences and participation in humanitarian efforts.
In one of these events, a civil affairs team from the U.S. Southern European Task Force, Africa, joined civil affairs personnel from the 4th Civil Affairs Group, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, in partnership with the Ghana Armed Forces for a medical civil action program in the remote town of Damongo, Ghana.
The medical civil action program (MEDCAP) was part of AL24, marking the 20th anniversary of U.S. Africa Command’s largest, annual, combined military exercise focused on enhancing readiness with African partner nations. With over 8,100 participants from 27 countries, the massive exercise integrates contingency operations and humanitarian assistance.
Leading the effort was U.S. Army Maj. Jennifer Stachura, civil affairs team leader, 437th Civil Affairs Battalion, 354th Civil Affairs Brigade, 352nd Civil Affairs Command. Stachura’s team partnered with Ghana’s military to deliver desperately needed health care. At Saint Anne’s Hospital, the local clinic in Damongo, Ghana, the joint team provided consultations, screenings, treatments and education on hygiene and healthy practices.
“Our mission strengthened the well-being of an underserved community,” Stachura said. “Combining our expertise with Ghana’s forces allowed us to make a lasting impact…a privilege to use my nursing training for this humanitarian service.”
“Working alongside the Ghana Armed Forces and our Army counterparts has been an incredible experience,” U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Michael Aniton, detachment commander, 4th Civil Affairs Group, additionally added. “The cooperation and shared commitment to improving lives have been truly inspiring.”
As AL24 concluded, the participants looked ahead with a renewed sense of purpose and strengthened resolve. The bonds formed, and the skills honed during this exercise will continue to influence operations and partnerships in the future. The success of AL24 is a testament to the enduring cooperation and shared vision of the participating nations, paving the way for continued collaboration, security and peace in the region.
“The exercise was a resounding success,” said Armed Forces of Senegal Col. Theodore Adrien SARR, battalion commander, 3rd Infantry Battalion. “We’ve enhanced interoperability and cemented our role as leaders of strategic importance in the region.”
Read more articles for the veteran community here.
