A united vision for cooperation and stability in the Trans-Saharan region will again be on display during Flintlock 10, a military exercise designed to develop the capabilities of select African Nations, European and U.S. military units and staffs.

The objective of Flintlock 10 is to develop military interoperability as a cornerstone for regional security and stability. Centered in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, but with tactical training conducted in Senegal, Mali, Mauritania and Nigeria, Flintlock 10 will run from May 2-23, 2010.

Flintlock 10 looks to build upon the successes and lessons learned during previous Flintlock exercises, which were conducted to establish and develop regional relationships and synchronization of efforts among the militaries of the Trans-Saharan region.

A Multi-National Coordination Center in Burkina Faso will serve as a focal point for multi-national information sharing, as well as the planning of synchronized operations. In the Coordination Center, participants from partner nations will receive academic training, culminating in a command post exercise. The CPX involves instruction, scenario development and a control group to enhance the participants’ ability to work collaboratively toward solving a shared regional crisis involving illegal activities which disrupt stability and security.

The tactical portion of Flintlock 10 will consist of small-unit combined training and activities involving U.S. and partner nation militaries throughout the region. During Flintlock10, medical and veterinary Programs will be conducted to provide the populations in rural areas health information and basic medical care.

This exercise will take place in the context of the Trans-Sahara Counter Terrorism Partnership. Supported by the U.S. Africa Command and the Special Operations Command, the exercise will provide military training opportunities to foster relationships of peace, security and cooperation among all Trans-Sahara nations.