In an exercise where communication between nations is essential, technology can be the vital link that provides that connection. For the first time during an Africa Endeavor (AE) exercise, a satellite link will be used this week to communicate information from the training site in Accra, Ghana, to the African Union (AU) Peace Support Operations Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

AU Delegation Chief Colonel Wilson Tembo said, "For us it marks a milestone because it is the first time in history. It could not have come at a better time because we are having an exercise called Amani Africa in October. We are going to use the lessons learned from this exercise."

Last week, AE 2010 participants trained on various communication gear and methods, including HF radios and live-satellite connections. This week they will put that knowledge to work through scenarios and will transmit situational reports via satellite to AU representatives.

U.S. Navy Commander Britt Talbert said, "Nations came together with their equipment to communicate in an exercise environment. An exercise is the ideal time to address problems as they occur and to learn from them, so that there is one less problem in an operational environment."

"The knowledge gained here is vital in that all of us are working together to establish standardized procedures for our equipment," Tembo said. "Our communication systems vary and our backgrounds vary, so we are working together to achieve common goals."

People are working on both ends to ensure that the information is being transmitted and received in an accurate and timely manner.

Consistent connectivity and coordinating people so they can receive messages will be the main challenges during the satellite link. According to Talbert, though, the point is to gain knowledge from this experience so every country is able to learn something and use it in the future. And sometimes it's the personal interaction that can be the most beneficial for countries.

Human interoperability is helping us to break barriers and remove suspicions that are normally between nations. New friendships are being formed. That's a big step in accomplishing understanding and achieving peace, Tembo said.

AE 2010 is a U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) sponsored initiative intended to encourage interoperability and information exchange among African nations via communication networks and subsequent collaborative links with the United States, African Union and other African partners with common stability, security and sustainment goals.