The New Liberian Army

[Eric Zwana Conteh]

Hello to my fellow comrades of the LAVA family. This is 2LT Eric Zwana Conteh. I know that several of us have heard of the reconstruction of the AFL (Armed Forces of Liberia). Now, I have had encounters with members of the AFL. I was able to witness the training of a Liberian Soldier (my step sister) who was assigned to FT Lee VA for Logistic Training. Her cadre members spoke highly of her and confirmed that she perfomed the best of all the international soldiers attending the Army Logistic University at FT Lee. She received a coin from the staff for her performance. The sad part of the story is, she was not allow to complete the second phase of the training simply because she was not a NCO. Now, I know that somebody in Liberia knew that in order to complete that course, the soldier must be a NCO(E5). The Army Logistic University and I tried contacting the chain of command of the Liberian Army back home so that they can send a letter that will authorized her stay and completion of the training. Sadly, there was no respond from back home and she had to leave without completing the training. while she was here she was amazed of how organized the American system was and she said that it will take decades before Liberia get close to being as organized. This was said out of anger of the failure of her chain of command. Well, two days ago, I was delighted to find a Liberian Soldier here (FT Gordon GA) undertaking the Basic Officer Leadership Course(BOLC) with me. Now, I will be angry if the same situation occur for this Officer. I am requesting that the LAVA family consider getting in a partnership with the Liberian Government to secure the successful training of these Soldiers. I was told that Liberian Soldiers are send throughout the United States for training. Once LAVA partner with the Liberian Government, LAVA can make sure that its members mentor and encourage the Liberian Soldiers so that they can endure their training and feel at home while doing it. Once we show the Liberian Community here in the US that we are devoted to such cause, I believe that they will support us Financially. We must take the first step and secure the future of Liberia's Security. Each of these Liberian Soldiers are assigned sponsors once they get to the US. LAVA can be their sponsor and we might be supported by the US Government for doing so. HE THAT HAS EARS, LET HIM HEAR. Consider my request. I can be reached at [e-mail]

[Jackson Zinnah]

Eric, that is a very good suggestion. The problem is we don't have Liberian born American soldier like you at most training bases in the United States. It will be difficult to sponsor Liberian soldier coming to the states for training. We as LAVA members could be helpful if we make our organization know to both the Liberian and U.S governments. There are some detail we can talk about later.

[Eric Zwana Conteh]

Thanks for your reply to my original posting. I understand that some US Military bases does not have Liberian American Soldiers assign to it. I guarantee that majority of these bases have Liberian American soldiers assign them. As an organization, we can do our research and find out if these bases have Liberian American soldiers assigned to them. My mean focus for posting the original post is for LAVA to be the trainee's(Liberian Soldier) advocate, to make sure that the Liberian soldier training is completed without interruption. (1) we can make sure that the trainee meets all the requirement need to undergo the training, (2) A LAVA Representative can call the Liberian soldier weekly to make sure that everything is going well. (3) we can provide the soldier with communication(cellphones) means for connecting with family, chain of command or friends back home. LAVA does not need a personnel going through the training as the Liberian Soldier, but LAVA can play more of a mentor role to ensure the successful completion of training. WHEN THESE LIBERIAN SOLDIERS ARRIVE, THEY NEED TO FEEL WELCOME BY THEIR OWN PEOPLE. THAT ALONE IS ENCOURAGEMENT TO ENDURE TRAINING. I REALLY HOPE LAVA WILL SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY.

Jackson Zinnah said:

Eric, that is a very good suggestion. The problem is we don't have Liberian born American soldier like you at most training bases in the United States. It will be difficult to sponsor Liberian soldier coming to the states for training. We as LAVA members could be helpful if we make our organization know to both the Liberian and U.S governments. There are some detail we can talk about later.

[N. George]

I will email you at your military email address. Prior to my present assignement, I sponsored and hosted members of AFL and other African Nations attending trianing in the US. There are a number of factors to be taken into consideration when hosting an international student.