A Task Force Tomahawk platoon maneuvers across the desert during Exercise Wakri near Dikhill, Djibouti on Dec. 4, 2023. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
Task Force Tomahawk Soldiers return fire on a mountainside during Exercise Wakri near Ali Sabieh, Djibouti, Dec. 5, 2023. The French soldiers ambushed the Americans as they passed through a narrow mountain valley on their way towards their next waypoint. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
Task Force Tomahawk Soldiers decide on which direction to take towards a checkpoint during Exercise Wakri, Djibouti, Dec. 4, 2023. The Soldiers took on the oppositional role as they evaded French forces across the landscape of rural Djibouti. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
A Soldier assigned to Task Force Tomahawk kneels while providing security to a defensive position near Ali Sabieh, Djibouti, Dec. 5, 2023. The Soldiers would cease fire when informed of changes to the exercise scenario. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
An American troop carrier drives through the dusty terrain while hauling a water buffalo during Exercise Wakri near Ali Sabieh, Djibouti, Dec. 4, 2023. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
A soldier with Task Force Tomahawk aims over the crest of a hill while holding a defensive position during Exercise Wakri near Dikhill, Djibouti, Dec. 4, 2023. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
Task Force Tomahawk soldiers perch on a hilltop and hold a defensive position during Exercise Wakri near Dikhill, Djibouti, Dec. 4, 2023. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
Task Force Tomahawk Soldiers stay ready in position behind the crest of a hill waiting to be found by French forces during Exercise Wakri near Dikhill, Djibouti, Dec. 4, 2023. Soldiers held the position on the hill for more than an hour before finding their way to the next checkpoint. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
A Soldier with Task Force Tomahawk aims over the crest of a hill during Exercise Wakri while a teammate taps him on the shoulder near Dikhill, Djibouti, Dec. 4, 2023. The platoon of American Soldiers played the role of oppositional forces while the French defended the region. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
Taskforce Tomahawk soldiers return fire during an ambush on a mountainside during Exercise Wakri near Ali Sabieh, Djibouti, Dec. 5, 2023. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
A Task Force Tomahawk platoon maneuvers across the desert during Exercise Wakri near Dikhill, Djibouti on Dec. 4, 2023. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
Task Force Tomahawk Soldiers stay ready in position behind the crest of a hill waiting to be found by French forces during Exercise Wakri near Dikhill, Djibouti, Dec. 4, 2023. Soldiers held the position on the hill for more than an hour before finding their way to the next checkpoint. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
A convoy of American troop carriers drives through the dusty terrain during Exercise Wakri near Ali Sabieh, Djibouti, Dec. 5, 2023. The convoy went between locations in rural Djibouti to set up temporary camps for members in the exercise. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
U.S. Army SGT Liliana Munday, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa liaison officer, practices combative movements during the French Desert Commando Course in Djibouti, Nov. 29, 2023. Munday was one of 40 U.S. service members to participate in the FDCC, a rigorous course designed to teach desert survival skills and tactics. (U.S. Army photo by SGT Haden Tolbert)
U.S. Army Sgt. Liliana Munday, a Soldier with 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, practices grappling techniques with the assistance of another Soldieras a part of combative training during the French Desert Commando Course Nov. 29, at the Centre Dentrainment Au Combat Djibouti. Participants who successfully completed the training, which was hosted by the hosted by the French 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment, received the prestigious desert commando badge (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Haden Tolbert)
U.S. Soldier conquers French Desert Commando Course
12/19/2023
For nearly fifty years, French soldiers stationed in Djibouti have made their way to Arta Mountains for the French Desert Command course, a grueling five-day course designed to test soldiers’ physical, emotional and mental limits. This year 40 U.S. service members signed up for the challenge, among them was U.S. Army SGT Liliana Munday.
Djibouti Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, left, and U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, U.S. Africa Command commander, right, discuss joint operations in Djibouti, Nov. 22, 2023. The Department of Defense has maintained a consistent presence in Djibouti and worked together as partners to ensure safety and stability in the region. (Department of State photo)
Djibouti Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, left, meets with U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, U.S. Africa Command commander, and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commanding general, in Djibouti Nov. 22, 2023. The leaders discussed the enduring partnership between the two nations and their joint mission to ensure safety and stability in the region. (Department of State photo)
AFRICOM, Djibouti leaders continue to strengthen ties
12/4/2023
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, U.S. Africa Command commander, met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ali Youssouf, during a recent visit to Djibouti, Nov. 22, 2023.
