Quote Originally Posted by Angie Mimi View Post
Yes. Indeed. There was a report in July that the elite, U.S.-trained 391st Light Infantry, which are aided by U.S. Special Forces, was on its way to Goma to help stop m23, but no follow-up report. Now they're in the C.A.R., but saying they have nothing to do with the fact that the government of the C.A.R. seems to be going down to well-trained, well-equipped, well-fed "rebels," while the U.S. diplomatic staff is evacuated to avoid another security failure like that in Benghazi.
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 !