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MG Roger Cloutier, USARAF commanding general, hosted senior leaders from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), The National Guard State Partnership Program, U.S. Department of State, USAID, and allied nation partners for the 2019 Senior Leader Strategy Session Feb. 6-8. Cloutier stressed the importance of what he described as "stacking overlays," by deconflicting, coordinating and synchronizing mutual activities in Africa. "Ultimately it comes down to enduring relationships," Cloutier said. #Partnership #Allies #StatePartnershipPorgram

ALFS19 planning team wraps up main planning event with the Botswana Defence Force in Gaborone, Botswana.

Maj. Gen. Roger Cloutier, the U.S. Army Africa commanding general, provides opening remarks for the Senior Leaders Strategy Session at the Golden Lion on Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 6, 2019. The SLSS is a three day conference attended by representatives from U.S. Army Africa, the National Guard Bureau and Western allies. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Angelica Gardner)

"I serve because I like the idea of being part of something bigger than myself. I truly believe in the Army's mission and the United States of America. I will continue to serve my nation for as long as I possibly can in any capacity." -SFC Christopher Cruse, USARAF G-3 EECP.

"I was looking for a better life and my family motivated me to serve. The military is a great organization to be a part of and I wanted to follow in the footsteps of those who have served before me." -PV2 Jaron, Ricks, Dental Assistant

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Eva Miranda, assigned to U.S. Army Africa, receives the Sgt. Morales Club medallion and certificate from Maj. Gen. Roger L. Cloutier, the U.S. Army Africa commander, during a ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy Jan. 28, 2019. The Sergeant Morales Club is an exclusive club that only inducts the most elite noncommissioned officers and whose members demonstrate the highest level of dedication to serving the Army and its Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Paolo Bovo)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Eva Miranda, assigned to U.S. Army Africa, receives the Sgt. Morales Club medallion and certificate from Maj. Gen. Roger L. Cloutier, the U.S. Army Africa commander, during a ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy Jan. 28, 2019. The Sergeant Morales Club is an exclusive club that only inducts the most elite noncommissioned officers and whose members demonstrate the highest level of dedication to serving the Army and its Soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Paolo Bovo)

"Before I joined the Army I struggled with student loans. The Army offered me a lot of education incentives and much more." -Sgt. Sherrill Porter, U.S. Army Africa supply sergeant

"I serve for the betterment of myself, and to build a solid foundation for myself and my family in the future." -SPC Spencer Tapia, geospatial engineer.

"Maj. Gen. Roger L. Cloutier, the U.S. Army Africa commander presents the Legion of Merit to retired Brig. Gen. Edoardo Maggian, the former Italian Base commander during a retirement award presentation ceremony in the USARAF commander's conference room at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 11, 2019. Brig. Gen. Maggian served as the Italian Base Commander for the United States Installations in Vicenza, Italy, from February 2008 to September 2015. During his almost eight years as the base commander, his expertise and knowledge of working with national and local authorities aided United States military leaders redeploying U.S. Army personnel following Operation United Assistance and coordinated response and relief efforts for members of the Vicenza Military Community during the severe flooding in November 2010 which impacted 130 communities and 20,000 people. (U.S. Army Photo by Davide Dalla Massara)"

"I love serving my country and doing something that has an impact on a global scale." -Maj. Todd Coppedge, TSC synch plans officer, SCD

"I love serving my country and doing something that has an impact on a global scale." -Maj. Todd Coppedge, TSC synch plans officer, SCD

"I love serving my country and doing something that has an impact on a global scale." -Maj. Todd Coppedge, TSC synch plans officer, SCD

U.S. Army Spc. Legend Khotsombath, assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa communications directorate, explains parts of a satellite unit during an Africa Data Sharing Network (ADSN), version two, information exchange with Djibouti Army (FAD) soldiers at FAD Headquarters, Djibouti, Dec. 26, 2018. The ADSN works as an internal network that the African Union Mission in Somalia troop-contributing countries can use to communicate and share information amongst each other. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel)

U.S. Army Spc. Bretton Millar, assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa communications directorate, explains the importance of leveling a satellite unit during an Africa Data Sharing Network (ADSN), version two, information exchange with Djibouti Army (FAD) soldiers at FAD Headquarters, Djibouti, Dec. 26, 2018. The ADSN works as an internal network that the African Union Mission in Somalia troop-contributing countries can use to communicate and share information amongst each other. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel)

U.S. Army Spc. Bretton Millar, assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa communications directorate, explains the importance of leveling a satellite unit during an Africa Data Sharing Network (ADSN), version two, information exchange with Djibouti Army (FAD) soldiers at FAD Headquarters, Djibouti, Dec. 26, 2018. The ADSN works as an internal network that the African Union Mission in Somalia troop-contributing countries can use to communicate and share information amongst each other. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel)

U.S. Army Spc. Aaron Lenox assigned to Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 144th Infantry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard assists his team in navigating an obstacle during the French Desert Commando Course at the Centre Dentrainment Au Combat Djibouti in Arta Plage, Djibouti, April 22, 2018. The four-day phase is the first of two necessary to earn a coveted French Desert Commando Badge. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy M. Ahearn)

U.S. Army Sgt. Patrick Wilhoite with the 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment (1-141 IN), Bravo Company, Texas Army National Guard, deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), gives instruction on infantry tactics and procedures to Djiboutian soldiers with the Rapid Intervention Battalion (RIB) outside Djibouti City, Djibouti, Dec. 18, 2018. The RIB is a Djiboutian army elite military force crisis response unit. The mission of the 1-141 IN is to rapidly deploy in response to any crisis threatening U.S. personnel or property throughout CJTF-HOA, and to contribute to international efforts to enhance security and stability in East Africa by providing security force assistance and fostering the capabilities of partner nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Corban Lundborg)

"I joined the Army in 2003. I was in high school when September 11th happened. I didn't want to miss what was happening in the world. I had wanted to join the Army since I was a kid. Here I am 16 years later." -CW2 Daniel F. Ambia, property book officer.

"I serve out of a sense of patriotism, for the amazing opportunities that the Army provides and to make my family proud." - U.S. Army Maj. W. Kyle Simon, Central Region Desk Officer, SCID.

A decade of service. On December 9, 2018, U.S. Army Africa celebrated 10 years of service. Thank you for the #CommitmentByAll past and present soldiers who have worn the SETAF patch.

U.S. Army Africa Civil Affairs Team 203 in conjunction with Agadez Regional Governor Sadou Soloke and USAID-OTI conclude a 25 day solar technician training program resulting in 50 trained solar technicians in Agadez, Niger, Dec. 7, 2018. This project directly supports the burgeoning solar power infrastructure being developed by the local government and supported by international assistance

"I serve in the United States Army so I can provide my son, who is currently in Kenya, a better life," -Spc. Obadiah Okari, all- wheel vehicle mechanic.

U.S. Army Civil Affairs team 203, 304th CA BDE deliver 45 school desks as part of a multi stage school development construction project providing humanitarian aid to the Abalan primary school on Dec. 5, in Agadez, Niger. CA team 203 focuses on educational and sustainable projects to promote long term success in support of Air Base 201, Base Operating Support Integrator Mission.

"As my father before me, I followed in his footsteps in joining the military" - Pfc. Marlee Ball, USARAF Geospatial Engineer.

U.S. Army Africa HHBn medical team attended a three day Tropical medicine course Nov. 13-15, at Camp Lemmonnier, Djibouti. Medical professionals from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army joined together to discuss best practices and challenges regarding communicable diseases common to the continent of Africa.

U.S. Army Africa HHBn medical team attended a three day Tropical medicine course Nov. 13-15, at Camp Lemmonnier, Djibouti. Medical professionals from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army joined together to discuss best practices and challenges regarding communicable diseases common to the continent of Africa.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Roger L. Cloutier, U.S. Army Africa commanding general attends the Soldier Readiness Processing at Caserma Ederle's Mission Training Complex Nov. 27, 2018. SRP allows units to increase readiness and ensure all USARAF personnel are deployable while meeting the Army's requirement for 100% Meal card enhancement coding to CAC.

"I serve to take advantage of the traveling opportunity the Army has to offer while finding a purpose for myself," -Sgt. Enrique Anaya Operations NCO

Leaders from U.S. Army Africa and 173rd Airborne Brigade came together to serve their Soldiers a thanksgiving meal full of mashed potatoes, corn, and turkey at Caserma Del Din DFAC on Nov. 21, 2018.

Vicenza Military Community members including Soldiers, civilians and family members kicked off the annual Turkey Trot 5k run/walk on the Caserma Ederle Track and Field Nov. 17, 2018.

"I love my country. The Army has given me the opportunity to experience the world. I love my job, working with Soldiers and the mission. For these reasons, I have decided to make a career out of it." -CW2 Mark Wire, DISE-T OIC, C/522nd MI BN, 207th MIB(T)

Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division work closely with our allies and partners from the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) during Exercise Askari Storm.

#WHYWESERVEWEDNESDAY "When I was in law school I always wanted to do something in public interest, specifically dealing with international law. USARAF is perfect for this because it allows me to give back to my country and work with partner nations and their attorneys. The reason I went to law school is to make the world a better place and working in USARAF and with partner nations I get to achieve this." - U.S. Army Capt. Nicholas Codd, operational law attorney.

"When I was in college I wanted to give my time and energy to a worthwhile cause. I felt like my skills and abilities would be a valuable asset and I thought, what better than the United States Army. At the time I loved working out and I wanted to go into public service. I also wanted to have an impact on soldiers. There is not a group of people I care about more. Now I get to do these things every day and it is very fulfilling." -Capt. Hannah Baker, HHBn S4 officer in charge.

Planners from U.S. Army Africa and the Botswana Defence Force achieved their first major milestone when they met last week in Gaborone, Botswana, to plan for the African Land Forces Summit in June 2019.

Planners from U.S. Army Africa and the Botswana Defence Force achieved their first major milestone when they met last week in Gaborone, Botswana, to plan for the African Land Forces Summit in June 2019

"I serve to escape the monotony of civilian life and to serve as a medic in the United States Army," -Spc. Brenden J. Brown, HHB Medic