Readiness

Marine Sgt. Bryan Ballard, an infantryman and class instructor with India Co., 3rd Bn., 23rd Marine Regiment, observes Burkina Faso Soldiers as they simulate treating a casualty during the Improvised Explosive Device detection class June 20, 2014. The unit trained Soldiers from different nations in various techniques and procedures for detecting and reacting to IEDs during Exercise Western Accord. 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, held in Senegal this year, 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.)