U.S. Marines train with West African nations during WA14

Lance Cpl. Nathaniel Rasmusson, a machine gunner with the 3rd Bn., 23rd Marine Regiment, points to the direction of potential enemy fire to Ghanaian Soldiers during Exercise Western Accord, June 19, 2014 near Camp Thies, Senegal. The unit trained Soldiers from different nations in various techniques and procedures for searching and detaining internally displaced personnel. Exercise Western Accord is a U.S. Africa Command sponsored annual joint training partnership exercise between the United States, the Economic Community of West African States and partner nations. The exercise is designed to increase interoperability between military forces and ensure the common ability to conduct peace operations throughout western Africa. (Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. V. Michelle Woods/ 40th PAD.)