17th Air Force officials host military exchange from Africa

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Alec Lloyd
  • 17th Air Force
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) --  The 17th Air Force officials here took another step forward in building meaningful relationships with African nations when it hosted a visit by a delegation of officers West African nation to an American base in Germany in August.

Led by Maj. Souleymane Ouedraogo, the Ouagadougou Airport base commander from Burkina Faso, the group of three military officers spent a week studying security practices at Ramstein, Vogelweh and Spangdahlem air bases in Germany.

Also known as U.S. Air Forces Africa, 17th Air Force collaborated with the various security forces squadrons to provide demonstrations of entrance security, flightline procedures, arms room protocols, canine training and overall base security command and control. 

"You can tell that they came here to learn," said Master Sgt. Mike Lund of the 86th Security Forces Squadron. "They are asking all the right questions."

The delegation was included in Army Gen. William "Kip" Ward's meeting with 17th Air Force members Aug. 11. The commander of U.S. Africa Command made a point of welcoming the delegation during his remarks.

"We were most impressed by how he took advantage of that opportunity to welcome us and say how important it is to build relationships with African countries," Major Ouedraogo said.

The delegation traveled to Vogelweh AB for a demonstration of proper take-down techniques, with a particular emphasis on using the least amount of force necessary to regain control of the situation. Airman 1st Class Monique Young of the 569th U.S. Force Protection Squadron participated in the presentation. 

"It was a great experience," she said. "I'm proud to be part of this first exchange. I was struck by how attentive they were to the details."

Senior Master Sgt. Gloria Ornelas, the security forces manager of the 569th .S. Force Protection Squadron, used her knowledge of French to provide additional instruction during the Burkina Faso officers' visit to the Vogelweh AB facilities. This also included inspecting a patrol car and all-terrain vehicle, as well as a hands-on-demonstration of the firearms automated training system.

"It was good to have them here," Sergeant Ornelas said. "It has been a wonderful interchange."

Capt. Hubert Yameoga is a member of the Burkina Faso Gendarmerie, the police organization that has responsibility for the civilian side of the base. He said the most impressive aspect of the instruction was what he called the mentalitѐ behind it -- the organization, integration and coordination of U.S. Air Force base security. He singled out arms room procedures as an excellent example of combining safety and efficiency.

Lt. Dabir Dapr Paul, the third member of the delegation, agreed. He said that changes in attitude are the hardest to effect, but had hope for the future. 

"If we can have contacts with you, it will help us train," Lieutenant Paul said. 

Major Ouedraogo said the visit was the first step in helping make that change. 

"What we have seen here will affect our behavior," he said. "We are thinking more about safety." 

He added that he was very pleased by the reception his delegation received.

"The hospitality was wonderful," Major Ouedraogo said. "Every unit we have seen has been well-prepared to receive us and welcome us. It was wonderful. You cannot do better."