Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Soldiers from the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) participated in a week-long professional military exchange with the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) from August 12-16. The exchange was focused on enhancing military cooperation and sharing expertise on critical areas such as the Inspector General (IG) system and rule of law, aiming to build stronger ties between the two nations.
The U.S. delegation was led by Lt. Col. Benjamin Barrett, chief of engagements and exercises for the SETAF-AF Inspector General Office. He was joined by Lt. Col. Reneka Redmond and Capt. Charles Blanton from the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) office. The team provided a comprehensive overview of the U.S. IG system, which is central to maintaining accountability and ethical conduct within military operations.
Lt. Col. Barrett emphasized the importance of the exchange, stating, “The opportunity to engage in dialogue with our Gambian counterparts was invaluable. By exchanging insights on the IG system and rule of law, we can enhance our mutual understanding and strengthen the foundation of integrity and justice in both of our militaries.”
The sessions covered the history and structure of the U.S. IG system, highlighting its role in promoting transparency and integrity within the military. In return, Gambian officers presented their systems, leading to constructive discussions on potential collaboration and areas for improvement.
Lt. Col. Redmond underscored the shared commitment between the two forces, remarking, “One of the key takeaways from this exchange is the shared commitment to accountability and integrity within our respective militaries. It’s inspiring to see how our two countries, despite different histories and systems, are aligned in our dedication to upholding these values and the rule of law.”
Throughout the exchange, both sides explored various aspects of military governance, using case studies and practical applications relevant to their respective contexts. The discussions fostered a cooperative environment where ideas were openly exchanged, benefiting both the U.S. and Gambian forces.
Capt. Charles Blanton, who also represents the SETAF-AF Civil Affairs Battalion, noted the significance of the dialogue. “We had meaningful discussions on the importance of the rule of law, which is fundamental to maintaining trust and legitimacy in military operations. The dialogue with our Gambian counterparts reinforced the idea that our shared commitment to legal and ethical standards is crucial.”
Blanton’s role also involved outlining future collaborative opportunities between SETAF-AF’s Civil Affairs teams and the GAF, setting the foundation for long-term partnerships. “Participating in this exchange has been profoundly enlightening,” said Blanton. “As a representative of the Civil Affairs Battalion, I’ve had the unique opportunity to discuss future collaborations with the Gambia Armed Forces, exploring ways our teams can effectively address local needs. This dialogue is a crucial step toward forging enduring partnerships that leverage our collective expertise to support stability and development across Africa.”
The Gambia Armed Forces expressed their appreciation for the exchange, recognizing the relevance of the discussions to their ongoing efforts in improving military oversight and legal processes. The event highlights SETAF-AF’s ongoing commitment to building strong, cooperative relationships with African military partners.
This professional military exchange not only deepened mutual understanding between the two nations’ militaries but also set the stage for future collaborations aimed at enhancing regional stability and governance.
