Embassy Recent Events
End of Military Bilateral Training in Gao
On September 25, 2009, Ambassador Gillian Milovanovic participated in the ceremony marking the end of a BILAT in Gao, Mali conducted by ODA’s 0126 from 1st BN 10th Special Forces Group where they trained the 1st ETIA from 25 August 2009 to 25 September 2009. This BILAT marks the first time an ETIA has been trained by US Special Forces. ODA 0126 trained 107 enlisted soldiers and six officers from the 1st ETIA. The training consisted of infantry patrolling techniques, mounted patrolling, planning, marksmanship, and medical training. The BILAT culminated in a joint long range movement from Gao to Ansongo, where all trained techniques were put into application as well as a Humanitarian Assistance operation was conducted where school supplies were handed out at a school in Ansongo. (more photos)