SPMAGTF Marines Continue Humanitarian Mine Action Program

A U.S. Marine with Special Purpose Marine AirGround Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.2, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, discusses explosive ordnance identification procedures with a member of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces during Humanitarian Mine Action training at Unite de Secours et Sauvetage’s Base, Kenitra, Morocco, April 22, 2019. The Moroccan soldiers trained alongside the U.S. Marines in order to identify and properly dispose of explosive ordnance. SPMAGTFCR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Capt. Clay Groover

By 2nd Lt. Grace Jenkins, Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Africa 20.1

A team of U.S. Marines and U.S. Sailors with Special Purpose Marine AirGround Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 20.1 and members of the Utah National Guard returned to further develop the Humanitarian Mine Action Program here.

At the request of the Kingdom of Morocco, U.S. Marine Corps explosive ordnance disposal technicians will facilitate HMA explosive ordnance disposal level one validation for the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces. This training will increase the overall explosive ordnance disposal capability of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces by building upon previous engagements.

After this month-long validation, 20 members of the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco will be approved to train additional Moroccan service members in level one explosive ordnance disposal. These operations include explosive ordnance recognition, threat assessment, locating explosive ordnance, implementing protective measures, disposal of explosive ordnance and tactical combat casualty care.

Military-to-military training is a longstanding priority of the U.S. Marine Corps. Our partnership with Morocco allows us to strengthen our deterrence and defense effort, and we must work together to build our collective capacity and to maintain peace. Our relationship with Morocco as a partner nation strengthens our enduring relationship and enhances regional stability.

SPMAGTF-CR-AF is deployed to conduct crisis-response and theater-security operations in Africa and promote regional stability by conducting military-to-military training exercises throughout Europe and Africa.