Eight African Union technicians and military personnel were awarded certificates on June 13, 2008 for their successful completion of an advanced training class on a communications system called the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite systems.

Participants learned advanced techniques for utilizing the VSAT, which will improve the AU's communication capabilities by facilitating high-speed data and voice transmission between the AU headquarters and its forces in the field. They also conducted several operational tests of the system to ensure its effectiveness.

The one-week training program was organized and conducted by technical training staff from the U.S. Africa Command. The VSAT equipment and initial training was provided by the U.S. Mission to the African Union.

The VSAT system will immediately be deployed to Mogadishu in support of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). From there, participants of the training program will train AMISOM troops on installation procedures, proper communications component connection, and locating the satellite signal.

News release provided by the U.S. Mission to the African Union.