Combined Joint Task Force — Horn of Africa

CJTF-HOA

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EARF team weapons and mortar training

Alpha Company, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, is the East Africa Response Force, the quick response force for all of the countries within the HOA. ACO operates using light infantry and various other force enablers, which operate together cohesively to accomplish their mission. ACO underwent weapons and mortar training in Arta, Djibouti.

By Thompson, Peter A. SrA ,  Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Oct 23, 2015
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Image

U.S. Army Pfc. Stephan Whelan, mortar gunner, left, and Spc. Steven Doherty, both assigned to Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, operate a M224 60mm mortar launcher during a training scenario Oct. 12, 2015, in Arta, Djibouti. ACO operates using light infantry and various other force enablers to accomplish their mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Thompson/Released)
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Photo by: Thompson, Peter A. SrA 
Photo 2 of 8

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Image

U.S. Army Spc. Tyler Rodriguez, Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment mortar gunner, aligns sights on a M224 60mm mortar launcher October 12, 2015, in Arta, Djibouti. Alpha Company operates using light infantry and various other force enablers, which operate together cohesively to accomplish their mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Thompson/Released)
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Image

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joshua Matzdorf, mortar section leader, left, and Spc. Jeffery Ovechka, mortar gunner, assigned to Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, establish their mortar firing position during training Oct. 12, 2015, in Arta, Djibouti. Forward operators provide accurate detailed information in order to engage targets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Thompson/Released)
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Image

U.S. Army Sgt. Nicholas Mormando, Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, places two mortar tubes on a stack of mortars Oct. 12, 2015, in Arta Djibouti. As mortar men attached to the East Africa Response Force, soldiers from Alpha Company employ crew and weapons in offensive and defensive ground combat, carry out scout missions to spot enemy troops and locations, and employ, fire and recover anti-tank mines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Thompson/Released)
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Image

A U.S. Air Force joint terminal attack controller stands atop a cliff overlooking a mortar range Oct. 12, 2015, in Arta, Djibouti. The JTAC participation in the training added realistic joint interaction, similar to a combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Thompson/Released)
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Image

U.S. Army Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment scout snipers fire M110 sniper rifles Oct. 14, 2015, at Arta, Djibouti. ACO, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, is the East Africa Response Force, the quick response force for all of the countries within the HOA. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Thompson/Released)
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Image

U.S. Army Pfc. Alex Kot, radio transmission operator, front, spots bullet impact points as Pfc. Conner Gillem, M240 gunner, both assigned to Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, fires a M110 Oct. 14, 2015, in Arta, Djibouti. Scout snipers from Alpha Company participated in 40 hours of classroom instruction followed by live fire training with multiple sniper rifles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Thompson/Released)
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Image

U.S. Army Pfc. George Canino, Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment M240 gunner, fires a M240L during weapons qualification Oct. 14, 2015, in Arta, Djibouti. Opportunities like the weapons density live fire course enable soldiers to become experts with their weapons systems through meticulous preparation and training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Thompson/Released)
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