BAMAKO, Mali, Oct 28, 2008 — The Government of Mali, in collaboration with other African and European nations and the United States government, to include U.S. Africa Command, is scheduled to host a joint military exercise from November 3-20, 2008. This exercise, called FLINTLOCK, is the latest in a series of exercises conducted involving U.S. military forces, European partner nations and military forces throughout the Trans-Saharan region with the aim to establish and develop military interoperability, regional relationships, synchronization of effort and capacity-building.

Media desiring to cover the FLINTLOCK exercise are advised of the following:

Due to operational constraints, resources and national caveats, only certain dates and events are available for on-site coverage:

03 November: Opening Ceremony in Bamako, Mali. Partner Nations will officially commence the exercise and visiting dignitaries will be view multi-national training.

14 November: Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) in Senegal. Host Nation, European Partner nation and U.S. medical personnel provide health care to rural populations.

19 November: Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) in Mali. Host Nation, European Partner nation and U.S. medical personnel provide health care to rural populations.

20 November: Closing Ceremony in Mali. Partner Nations close the exercise with airborne operations, range demonstrations and static displays.




• Although every reasonable effort will be made to facilitate for media outlets, transportation and logistical support are ultimately the responsibility of the media outlets desiring to cover the exercise. As a matter of policy, the U.S. Armed Forces does not reimburse media outlets for coverage.



• A Coalition Press Information Center (CPIC) will be established in Bamako, Mali, to facilitate media coverage and provide responses to media outlets. Media outlets covering the exercise must adhere to established Ground Rules. All media outlets desiring to cover the military exercise and its activities are requested to contact the FLINTLOCK Public Affairs Officer; Mr. Max Blumenfeld at: +223 875-7511. (note: after 01 November, the number is: +223 (7) 875-7511).



• Other points of contact are as follows:
  
  U.S. Embassy, Bamako, Mali; Stephanie Syptak, Public Affairs Officer: +223 270-2421
  
  U.S. Embassy, Dakar, Senegal; Katherine Diop: +221-33-829-2324
  
  For questions regarding the deployment of the CV-22 Osprey, please contact Lieutenant
  Colonel Stephanie Holcombe at: +001 (850) 884-2866/2864.
  
  For questions regarding U.S. Africa Command (U.S. AFRICOM), please contact the Public Affairs Office at: +49 711-729-4714/4710 or Africom-pao@africom.mil