Djibouti -– Eleven Djiboutian law enforcement officers or “Gendarmerie” graduated from the first Paramilitary Training class March 2, at the Ali Ouney Djiboutian Army Camp headquarters.

The three week course, supported by the Gendarmerie, Djiboutian Armed Forces, and members of the Kansas Army National Guard’s 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, began February 12, in Ali Ouney. All students were taught local and military law enforcement practices.

“We shared law enforcement techniques and crowd control measures in support of their upcoming elections and deployments,” said partner member Captain Bryan Gregory. “We were able to use our prior experience and training to compliment what they’re doing.”

During the ceremony, Colonel Zakaria, chief of staff of the Gendarmerie, praised the U.S. military for their support.

“I want to thank you for this training,” said Zakaria. “Ninety percent of our duties fall in specific areas, and our mission is very diverse. This training was very beneficial,” he said. “I was there when you completed some of the training. Now, many more units are interested in this training. I appreciate it. Again, thank you.”

Djiboutian Army Lieutenant Colonel Ali Aden, logistics director, has worked since 2007 to get the course up and running.

“This was something very beneficial,” said Ali. “Our soldiers needed this ‘drilling.’ It was good for them.”

According to Ali, the partnership morally prepared the men for the mission and harsh environment, and to work with different nationalities.

“It psychologically tested them to see if they really wanted to do this,” said Ali. “And, knowing that we speak and understand their language, we can better serve.”

The Kansas Guardsmen have worked with the Djiboutian Armed Forces in a variety of joint efforts since January 2010. Both parties eventually hope to take advantage of a schoolhouse, currently scheduled to be constructed by 2014, where larger classes can be held and regional preparations can be conducted.

“We used to partner up with other people to complete the training,” said Ali. “With the guardsmen, we’re doing more now than we’ve done in several years.”