More than 55 U.S. Marines and sailors partnered with members of the Royal Moroccan Army June 9-29, 2008 in Tifnit, Morocco to train for peacekeeping operations.

The U.S. personnel were assigned to Military Police Company, Headquarters Battalion, 4th Marine Division. They trained alongside members of the 7th Battalion, Brigade Infantry Mobile of the Royal Moroccan Army.

The exercise, called African Lion 2008, focused on a variety of military police tactics, techniques and procedures, including non-lethal weapons, mounted and dismounted patrols, vehicle and personnel searches, control points, weapons familiarization fires, and Marine Corps Martial Arts. It was geared to aid both forces in cooperative efforts to respond to crises and promote stability.

"(This exercise) has given us the opportunity to foster cooperation and teamwork between the U.S. and Moroccan forces, which strengthens our relationship," said 1st Lieutenant Eric Kaltrider. " This is a good opportunity for our Marines to get used to working with allied foreign militaries in general."

In addition to sharing tactics, techniques and procedures, the Marines enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about Moroccan culture.

"A lot of (our real-world missions) are joint and bilateral, so our Marines need to be used to operating in this environment," said Captain Joe Keegan. "This is what we do. We train and prepare our Marines to be ready for any situation."

A training session on non-lethal weapons was especially beneficial to the Moroccan army members, who had specifically requested this topic to aid them in peace keeping operations. The non-lethal weapons provide the military police with alternative methods for accomplishing law enforcement, security, and military missions without having to resort to violence.

"The training gives us an opportunity that we can use to expand our knowledge, and it is a great benefit to our soldiers," said Royal Moroccan Army Sergeant Adil Noman, a member of the headquarters of the RMA Southern Area Command. "We must be familiar with this training because of our work with the UN. Each year we gain a great benefit and get new information on how to work with foreign forces."

Both the Marines and the Moroccans said they enjoyed the opportunity to work and train with each other throughout the exercise.

"I think it is more about building and keeping good relations," said Corporal Dustin Kremer, military police officer with the Twin Cities Detachment of the reserve MP Co. and a Mankato, Minn., resident. "(Our actual company) might not ever work with these soldiers again, but both of us will remember the confidence that we have built throughout our time here."