Top enlisted KDF visit, strengthen bond with CJTF-HOA partners

Senior enlisted leaders from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and the Kenya Defence Forces met at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, to exchange ideas and share procedures Feb. 10-12.



By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Feb 14, 2016
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Senior enlisted leaders from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and the Kenya Defence Forces met at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, to exchange ideas and share procedures Feb. 10-12.

“I think there are three things that (should) come out of this key leaders engagement,” said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Butler Kendrick, CJTF-HOA command senior enlisted leader. “(First and) most important to me is describing the capabilities of non-commissioned officers and petty officers. The next thing is exchanging ideas. And the last part of this is building relationships.”

Kenya, one of the five troop contributing countries to the African Union Mission in Somalia, is the second largest of the three countries bordering threat-stricken Somalia. Kenya deploys most of its troops to the southern areas of Somalia where Al-Shabaab activity has proven to be the most abundant.

“Our main objective is to neutralize Al-Shabaab by helping AMISOM upstream. Hopefully, in the near future AMISOM is able to transition out of Somalia and turn it over to the Somalia National Army,” Kendrick said. 

The four highest ranking of the Kenya enlisted force travelled over 1,300 miles in hopes of building a relationship with CJTF-HOA personnel, but more importantly doing everything in their power to work toward a secure and stable East African region.

“Things like this are important because we learn something (that) we can put into our system,” said Warrant Officer John Muthoka, KDF sergeant major. “Also, I think (U.S. forces) learn something from us, too.”

The visit included several briefings, one-on-one SEL engagements, a base tour, and a town hall meeting with junior enlisted service members.

The briefings focused on operations and how CJTF-HOA personnel accomplish the mission successfully, including equality and troop welfare. Later with the junior enlisted, it became apparent that troop welfare was on the Kenyan’s minds, too.

“Do you miss home?” Muthoka replied to a question about challenges Kenyans face. “It’s the same challenges that you face. I’m sure you’d rather be in America, but we have a job to do just like you.”

A difference amongst the KDF and U.S. enlisted forces is the responsibility given to young Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines. U.S. service members are trained, equipped and encouraged to make decisions at lower ranks, and put in leadership positions sometimes with only four or five years of military service; however, the KDF has a different approach.

“On our side, NCOs (have the knowledge) and decision making is (progressing), but officers usually make the decisions.” Muthoka said. “We would like NCOs to make the decisions on their own.”

The four KDF SELs consisted of Muthoka and the ranking enlisted member of their army, air force and navy. Along with providing important information and gaining insight into the younger members’ mindset, they spent an afternoon with their CJTF-HOA equivalent to see first-hand how each U.S. SEL led the enlisted force.

The partnerships built and strengthened between the leaders is vital for ensuring mission success for AMISOM, the current situation in Somalia, neutralizing Al-Shabaab and stabilizing the region.

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