United States Africa Command welcomed a group of African sergeants major to Marine Base Quantico as part of the Africa Defense Sergeants Major Symposium, a "real eye-opener for leadership," according to Liberian Reg. Sgt. Major Bamidele Awofeso.

Sergeants major from 17 African nations learned about the organization of Marine Corps elements, course content of the noncommissioned officers academy, and the benefits of technology, health and family readiness programs, and officer/NCO relations.

After explaining the differences in terminology -- military units in African countries have similar names but different sizes than those in the Marine Corps -- Botswana Force Sergeant Major Herman Bahuma understood perfectly.

"We have no defense minister, per se," Bahuma said. "But the military does report to a civilian council. It's structured the same as yours, with a logistics element and three commands."

"Africans have the responsibilities to let our commanders know what our capabilities are," said Nigerian warrant officer Paul Garba. He did, however, lament the lack of communication between officers and NCOs.

Classes were in session at the USMC NCO Academy, and the sight of female Marines was something new to many of the African leaders. However, instructor Sergeant Major Steve Williams tactfully brushed their questions aside.

"We are Marines," Williams said. "We are not gender based, we are not race based."

A resounding "HOO-RAH!" from the students put a smile on the Africans' faces.

"I think they all want to join the Marine Corps now," said AFRICOM Command Sergeant Major Mark Ripka.