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AFRICOM’s new director of operations visits Africa to engage with partners

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joel Tyler, director of operations, speaks with soldiers from the Djiboutian National Army’s Rapid Intervention Battalion (RIB) after watching a live-fire exercise Sept. 28. The RIB’s mission is to serve as a reactionary force to accomplish specific tasks directed by their higher command in the Djiboutian army.

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Dana Cable 

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AFRICOM’s new director of operations visits Africa to engage with partners

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joel Tyler, director of operations, speaks with U.S. Army Capt. Michael Hoemke, Security Forces commander, at Chabelley Airfield, Sept. 28. Tyler visited East Africa to assess U.S. operations, force protection, and posture location support.

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Dana Cable 

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AFRICOM’s new director of operations visits Africa to engage with partners

Djiboutian National Army’s Rapid Intervention Battalion (RIB) conducts a live-fire exercise in Djibouti, Africa, Sept. 28. The RIB’s mission is to serve as a reactionary force to accomplish specific tasks directed by their higher command in the Djiboutian army.

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Photo by: Staff Sgt. Dana Cable 

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joel Tyler, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command, traveled to the African continent to engage with partners, visit key U.S. military operating locations, and deepen his understanding of security in the region, Sept. 27 to Oct. 1.

During his engagement, Tyler visited Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya.

While in Djibouti, Tyler and other U.S. Africa Command representatives met with the Djiboutian Rapid Intervention Battalion (RIB).

The RIB’s mission is to serve as a reactionary force to accomplish specified tasks directed by their higher command in the Djiboutian army. It is the first Djiboutian Armed Forces Special Force fully supported by the U.S. government. U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to CJTF-HOA provide training to the RIB soldiers in U.S. Army basic warrior tasks, combat, and combat life-saving skills.

“The U.S. military has a longstanding relationship with Djibouti and our Djiboutian military partners,” said Tyler. “The training and equipment that U.S. Africa Command provides to the Rapid Intervention Battalion uniquely demonstrates the U.S. commitment to enhancing our shared goal of improving regional security and stability on the continent. Our partnership and training continue to be in demand.”

After departing Djibouti, Tyler went to several cooperative security locations (CSL) in Somalia and Kenya, including Manda Bay, Kenya, to reinforce the importance of security in the shared fight against al-Shabaab. 

Tyler’s trip highlighted AFRICOM’s commitment to working with our East African partners and operating in a degraded pandemic environment. The U.S. continues to operate and train with our East African partners.

“Al-Shabaab remains a dangerous enemy,” said Tyler. “I saw first-hand the commitment of our Kenyan and Somali partners as we address a mutual threat in al-Shabaab. We will continue to sharpen our focus and counter this common threat.”