More than 20 prospective logistics officers in the Burundi National Defense Force completed a two-week deployment skills course with U.S. Soldiers at Gakumbu Camp, Burundi, March 18-29, 2013 - marking the second phase of deployment training.

Covering convoy operations, hazardous material transportation and proper center and balancing of cargo for transportation, the second phase of African Deployment Partnership Training is designed to help BNDF troops better prepare for real-world deployment of personnel and equipment. This is especially critical since Burundi is a troop-contributing country to the African Union Mission in Somalia and deploys forces there.

"They taught us how to prepare for pre-deployment before going to the mission area or when you reach there," said a BNDF captain taking the ADAPT course. "Also, (they) taught how we can transport dangerous goods, ammunitions or other hazardous materials. This course will help us to know how we can cart our cargo and personnel safely and ensure any transport of any essential items."

Consisting of three separate courses, this second phase of ADAPT focuses on a train-the-trainer concept where BNDF soldiers learn how to instruct other soldiers in their home units. In Phase III, the top graduates here will return, teach the class and share lessons learned with U.S. Soldiers.

"There is a big benefit for (us) because if you did not train well, then you cannot do your job," said the captain. "Now we can do our job to the required standard."

Overall, the goal of ADAPT is to allow the BNDF to train and stand up their deployments independently, said U.S. Army Master Sergeant Derek Gill, 110th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, an ADAPT instructor.

"I was thoroughly impressed with the Burundian soldiers who picked up on some of the more technical aspects immediately," Gill added.

By and large, the motivation and dedication of the BNDF unit movement control officers were evident to the instructors.

"The stuff you would think most would need to practice a little, they picked it up immediately, which is very impressive," noted Gill.

The ongoing military-to-military engagement with Burundi, a troop-contributing country to the African Union Mission in Somalia, is in support of Combined Joint Task Force Force-Horn of Africa's mission to strengthen the operational capabilities of East African partner-nation militaries to promote security throughout the region.