EXPANSION OF OEF-TS ACTIVITIES IN MAURITANIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L NOUAKCHOTT 000710

SIPDIS

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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

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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