U.S. Military Advisors Elevate Sierra Leone Armed Forces through Critical Site and Asset Security Training

In a significant stride towards fortifying national security, the United States Army Security Force Assistance Brigade lauded the achievements of 80 Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) soldiers, ranging from Lance Corporals to Warrant Officer 1, on Friday, 23rd February 2024. This commendation followed the successful completion of a rigorous three-week training program focusing on critical site and asset security.

The training initiative stemmed from the alleged security breach at Wilberforce, Freetown, last September. The incident involved an attack on the nation’s primary ammunition stores, resulting in the theft of weapons purportedly used in an attempted coup. In response, the U.S. Embassy in Freetown revealed that the Security Force Assistance Brigade, a specialized unit with the core mission of advising and assisting partner nations in enhancing their threat-response capabilities, conducted the training.

In a statement, the Embassy highlighted the commitment of both nations to democratic and human rights norms. It emphasized the Security Force Assistance Brigade’s role in aiding the RSLAF in the modernization and professional development of its forces. The intensive three-week program targeted defense technical skills, covering areas such as perimeter patrol, critical site and asset security, and entrance and access control points.

The training not only augmented existing RSLAF protocols but also facilitated knowledge exchange and professional development opportunities for both U.S. Army and RSLAF personnel. This partnership signifies a crucial milestone in bilateral cooperation, contributing to Sierra Leone’s defensive capabilities while reinforcing professionalism, respect for human rights, and adherence to democratic norms within the RSLAF.

The collaboration between the United States and Sierra Leone is viewed as a pivotal step toward enhancing regional security and stability. The commitment reiterated in the statement affirms the United States’ dedication to supporting Sierra Leone’s journey towards democracy, health, and prosperity. The collaborative efforts aim to build a strong partnership that mutually benefits both nations.