EXPANSION OF OEF-TS ACTIVITIES IN MAURITANIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L NOUAKCHOTT 000710 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/07/2017 TAGS: MASS PREL AMGT MR SUBJECT: EXPANSION OF OEF-TS ACTIVITIES IN MAURITANIA Classified By: CDA Steven Koutsis for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) With the successful deployment August 1 of the first JCET in Mauritania since 2005, we have re-established our military-to-military re-engagement, suspended following the August 2005 coup d'etat. The new government welcomes this engagement and encourages our continued military training and assistance. The next step is to begin planning for the introduction of JPAT elements into the country. Host country officials have been briefed on our intention to provide a permanent training presence, but have requested a more detailed briefing before approving the plan. Embassy wishes to begin immediately to work with the Department and EUCOM on JPAT planning subject to final approval by COCOM, Chief of Mission and host country. Post further proposes to bring in logistical support in order to begin advance planning. ¶2. (C) Post recommends to begin with two JPATs initially because of the lack of permanent facilities built to support JPAT activities on the ground. Once the buildings are built, Post feels that a JPAT must be located with each unit to meet TSTCP goals and objectives. The first Ground JPAT will SIPDIS support the Camel Corps and the New CT Command and will move between the units. The second JPAT will support the Air Force and will be based in Nouakchott. ¶3. (C) In order to meet the management demands of the JCETs and JPATs, Post authorizes the deployment of a Special Operations Command and Control Element (SOCCE),following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the functions of the SOCCE. The element should be able to support Operational Activities as well as logistical activities. Embassy also requests that the SOC maintain contracting authority within the SOCCE to alleviate burden on the Embassy GSO. ¶4. (C) Post believes there is at present adequate room for billeting these new forces but feels there will be a need for the purchase or leasing of more vehicles and possible furniture to support the additional bodies. ¶5. (C) Post envisions that the SOCCE will be covered under Annex A of the COM-COCOM Memorandum of Agreement for Mauritania on security for DOD elements, and JPATs under Annex B. However, Post recommends an immediate review of the agreement annexes to clarify the status of all DoD elements presently or soon to arrive at Post. Koutsis