JANUARY 23, 2023 — A team of U.S. Army intelligence professionals traveled to Dakar, Senegal with a goal of establishing a lasting relationship with the Senegalese Armed Forces, and enhancing regional security.
The 207th Military Intelligence Brigade (Theater)’s mission was to deliver a curriculum emphasizing U.N. doctrine-focused intelligence support, operations and methods, said Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Poles, 207th MIB (T) West Africa Team Chief.
“Our mission was to ensure that they master the basics, so that they can go back and train the soldiers in their units,” said Poles, who returned in early December from the five-day bilateral symposium in the Senegalese capital.
To Poles, Senegal has become a benchmark for stability in West Africa due to its fairly stable government and vibrant economy. However, violent extremist organizations operating out of the Sahel region pose a potential threat. To counter this threat and bolster peace keeping initiatives, Poles and his team delivered a detailed curriculum on the basics of the intelligence process: collection, analysis and dissemination.
To make the most of their time, Poles and his colleagues tailored their discussions to threats Senegal currently faces – groups like the Islamic State of West Africa, a splinter of Boko Haram, and Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin.
Bilateral missions build a foundation for future opportunities and advance the U.S. Army’s mission to disrupt transnational and trans-regional threats while promoting peace and stability in the region.
While in Dakar, the Americans also connected on a personal level – learning Wolof, the language, sharing traditional food, and watching World Cup soccer.
“It gives you a different perspective when you are in the area of operation that you cover,” Poles said. “Once they understand you are engaged, eat what they eat, learn about their religion, their day-to-day, they engage.”
Scott Sturtevant, a West Africa specialist for the 207th MIB (T), also participated in the training event. From day one, Sturtevant noticed the SAF participants’ enthusiasm and love of their country – a feeling that created a healthy and productive environment.
Senegalese culture and traditions are dear to them, not unlike American patriotism, Sturtevant said.
“Every time I go to Africa, I am always struck with their commitment to leading their country and continent into a better future,” Sturtevant said.
Story by Sgt. Jordan Pearson
207th Military Intelligence Brigade (Theater)