Hi Angie and welcome aboard !
It is important to note that the training course held from December 2009 was in fact a Train the Trainer Course preparing commanders, officers, non-commissioned officers and a core group of instructors in the skills necessary to train, manage and lead a light infantry battalion. In February 2010 additional training included courses in small-unit tactics, communications, medical care and HIV/AIDS prevention and humanitarian demining. AND, the battalion received instruction on the respect of human rights, the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, and the relationship between civilian and military authorities in a democratic society.
This in no way would prepare the entire 391st for mortal combat and I doubt would change the mentality of those soldiers. Sending them to Goma or the CAR would probably cause more harm than good.
Evacuating civilian embassy staff is a local decision with of course some blessing from Foggy Bottom. Doing so is far more prudent than a surprise similar to any incident since 1975 involving American Embassies and their personnel.
Have a Happy and Safe New Year !
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