U.S. Marines with the Marine Advisor Team in support of Africa Partnership Station Nashville arrived in Liberia February 16, 2009 to begin a nearly month-long partnership with the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) at Edward Binyah Kesselly Base.

These Marines will be working in a unique environment which brings together a mixture of expertise and services. Currently, a team of trainers and mentors from the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, DynCorp International, Pacific Architects and Engineers, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are assisting Liberia in rebuilding its army.

The army was demobilized in 1999, creating the need for recruitment and training of a new fighting force. The new army would come from all regions of Liberia, ensuring a fair representation of all its residents.

Currently, the AFL is 2,000 strong and includes approximately 70 women. The soldiers begin their recruit training at Barclay Training Center in Monrovia, Liberia. DynCorp International is responsible for their basic training at Barclay Training Center and additional entry-level training at Camp Ware. Once the recruits graduate, they move on to military occupational specialty (MOS) schools, taught by Pacific Architects and Engineers, and located at Edward Binyah Kesselly Base.

In conjunction with occupational specialty training, U.S. Africa Command sent a Military Mentor Team, consisting of U.S. Marine Corps, Army, and Navy personnel, to mentor and advise the AFL under the Liberian Security Sector Reform (SSR) program.

Africa Partnership Station Nashville is also involved in the advising process, focusing on leadership, non-lethal tactics, logistics, combat lifesaver's skills, and the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. The non-commissioned officer corps is one that needs to be developed in a young and new army, and this is the mission for the Marines here with Africa Partnership Station.

According to Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Richardson, with the Marine Advisor Team, a focus on leadership skills helps to create an environment where this new fighting force will continue to train current and incoming service members.

The Liberian soldiers also spoke of being part of their nation's new armed forces.

"I'm very happy, and I think this training will make us more efficient in military life," said Private Thomas Kruahmie, AFL. "I am very happy for the Marines coming. Personally, I'm learning something that will benefit me tomorrow."

This enthusiasm can be seen all around the base from the soldiers, said Staff Sergeant Gary L. Morris, Security Sector Reform advisor.

"I think this far outweighs my previous deployments overseas," said Staff Sergeant Gary L. Morris, Security Sector Reform advisor. "I think it's a great thing we're doing. They want us here. They are very motivated and the citizens and soldiers are very receptive to what we are doing. I've been mentoring them and they pick my brain 24/7. It's been fun. We're having a good time and I think it's a positive impact."