US, Djiboutian military officials sign service agreement

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The Djiboutian and US militaries have signed an extended agreement that allows both nations to continue working together in support of lasting stability for the Horn of Africa.

The agreement, signed on February 1 in Djibouti, is an extension of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement. This pact is a mutual accord between the Djiboutian Ministry of Defence and US Department of Defence and allows both nations to request a variety of services from one another.
“A cross-service agreement with Djibouti provides another avenue to share capabilities during our mutual engagements,” said Rear Admiral Michael Franken, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa commander. “It will improve the manner in which the US can obtain Djibouti’s assistance in operations as well as providing my staff options to support Djibouti in security matters.”

Both Djibouti and the US benefit from this agreement, said Terrence Bender, US Africa Command Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement manager. “What (the nations) can do is exchange logistics, support, supplies and services from each other,” he said.

Bender said that there can be a cash exchange upon request between the militaries. There can also be an equal value exchange; as long as an equal value can be reached, the trade can happen. For example, one military may decide to provide the use of a building for the use of the other military’s vehicles.

Both sides are involved in making the agreement work.
“We can sit down, negotiate an exchange where we can receive something of equal value for the services provided…which helps us to increase capabilities through exchanges. I think (this agreement) is beneficial for both nations,” said Bender. “It builds our partnerships. That’s the part I enjoy.”

In light of recent budget constraints, the arrangement can ease the burden on taxpayers. The ability to explain the benefits to Djiboutian and American leadership will increase the visibility of the programme, and once utilised, can save both nations money, said Bender.

This agreement will be a positive influence on the training and mutual aid between the US and Djiboutian militaries, said US Air Force Major General Barbara Faulkenberry, US Africa Command Logistics director.
“I am really honoured to conclude this very important acquisition agreement that allows military to military collaboration,” said Faulkenberry. “This is an important day for us.”

US military personnel have been active in Djibouti of late – between January 24 and 30, Djiboutian Armed Forces and US service members exchanged communications best practices. The FAD invited the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa tactical communications team to the FAD headquarter’s deck. There, the US team met with Djiboutian radio communications specialists from around the country to share expertise in new American-made radio operating systems.

On January 31 US Army soldiers with Civil Affairs Team 4902, 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, partnered with the US Agency for International Development, the Djiboutian Ministry of Education and the US Embassy to deliver school supply kits to the Balho Primary School in Balho, Djibouti. The delivery included about 150 kits, each containing a notebook, a pencil and a pen.

The soldiers realised the school’s need for supplies after delivering backpacks to the students during a previous visit. During the visit it became obvious that though the students now had new backpacks, they had little or no supplies to put in them.