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Sgt. Maj. Ibrahim Yabeh, Djibouti Armed Forces senior enlisted leader, speaks with other SELs Dec. 29, 2015, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Visits like this are intended to develop U.S. and other countries’ military leaders by facilitating professional growth and networking. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton/RELEASED)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton 

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Senior enlisted leaders of the Djiboutian Armed Forces (FAD) visited Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, for the first time Dec. 29, 2015, to meet with command senior enlisted leaders of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

The leaders convened with the intent of sharing their professional advice and networking with influential military figures from the host nation.

“We’re here for leadership development,” said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Butler Kendrick, CJTF-HOA command senior enlisted leader.

The visit consisted of several briefings, a meal at the military dining facility and a base tour.

 “We do what we can to ensure they have the skillset and capability to provide what they can for their country without us being by their side,” Kendrick said. “In the long run, we enable our partners to protect and defend their country without needing the assistance of coalition partners.”

The main focus of the briefings was the current situation in Somalia and the African Union mission there to neutralize Al-Shabaab and stabilize the country.

“We received knowledge about the region and more information that we didn’t have before,” said Sgt. Maj. Ibrahim Yabeh, a FAD senior enlisted leader. “We’re very grateful to participate and share the information.”

Along with providing important information, the partnerships built and strengthened between the leaders is also vital for ensuring mission success.

“If we show them how things are done by [U.S. forces], it’s up to them to take information back to use in their military, their culture and their country,” Kendrick said.

Kendrick emphasized that visits like these are important to the development of U.S. and coalition partners’ military leaders. Key leaders share best practices and attendees are encouraged to implement what they want amongst their forces.

“[Developing as leaders] is why we’re here,” Yabeh said. “I’m [excited] to give all the information I’ve learned to my people, and I hope the sharing of information and culture will continue.”