SOMALIA - REQUEST FOR MILITARY SUPPORT TO PUBLIC

C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 001963 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/E AND AF/RSA FT BRAGG FOR 6TH PSYOPS BN E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2019 TAGS: PHUM MARR KPAO PGOV SO SUBJECT: SOMALIA - REQUEST FOR MILITARY SUPPORT TO PUBLIC DIPLOMACY Classified By: Counselor for Somalia Affairs Bob Patterson for reasons 1.4 (b,d). ¶1. This is an action request, please see paragraph 2. Objectives -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Post requests Department of Defense support to produce two videos to support regional training of the Somali National Security Forces (NSF). Both films will be shown to Somali trainees who will undertake military training at various regional training sites. - The objective of the first film is to inspire the Somali trainees, sense of nationalism, patriotism, loyalty, and commitment to service. - The objective of the second film is to teach the Somalis the basics of respect for human rights law and the law of land warfare. The target audience for this film is Somali military trainees. It will not be shown to the public. Background -------------- ¶3. (C) Somalia has been a failed state for nearly two decades. The USG is now supporting the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia and is assisting that government in developing its security forces and institutions. Many of the trainees and leaders within the new NSF were born after the collapse of the last Somali government in 1991 and are unfamiliar with the role of government and the role of the military that supports it. These new Somali recruits are also unfamiliar with how security forces should operate in an environment with large numbers of non-combatants and how respect for basic human rights is important aspect of their conduct as soldiers. Request -------------- ¶4. (C) As part of our support to Somali training efforts, our mission desires to produce two videos: one that teaches the fundamentals of respect for human rights and another that will inspire the trainees, sense of nationalism, patriotism, loyalty, and service. We want the trainees to understand that they play an important role in rebuilding Somalia and that their service is vital to bringing security and stability back to their homeland. Coordinating Instructions -------------- ¶5. (C) The mission will forward to the appropriate DOD office historic video footage of the Somali Army as well as video footage of former Somali generals speaking to the themes listed above. This footage may be included in the videos. ¶6. (C) We request that the videos be produced, if possible, within 60 days of receipt of the video footage. The videos should be in DVD and .wmv format. ¶7. (C) Mark Zimmer is the Embassy POC for this project and can be reached at 254-20-363-6181 or by e-mail at ZimmerMV@state.sgov.gov. ¶8. (C) COL Mike Skardon is the Department,s POC for this project and can be reached at (202) 647-7371 or by e-mail at SkardonMS@state.sgov.gov. RANNEBERGER