USMC training for the UAE

[Slater]

Do the Marines do this sort of training worldwide?

"The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested follow-on blanket order U.S. Marine Corps training, training support, and other training related services in support of the UAE Presidential Guard Command. The total value for this sale is $100 million.

The Secretary of State has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the United Arab Emirates of the above defense articles (and defense services) in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the Congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended."

https://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/f.../uae_19-18.pdf

[Firefly]

Is it wrong I thought for a second they were gonna finally invade the House of Saud and got slightly giddy and then remembered where I live and who rubs the show

[SeriousStudent]

When I was a Marine we trained foreign troops all the time.

Too bad we didn't get $100 million for doing it. That would have almost paid my platoon's bar tab.

[dwhitehorne]

I thing all branches do some versions of this on different levels. I spent 6 months in South America in 1989 training the different Naval Infantry units in amphibious assaults. I know the Air Force trains pilots. I’ve even read an article where foreign militaries have sent officers through West Point. David

[LowSpeed_HighDrag]

That sort of thing, including in the UAE, was what I did or had a part in doing while I was in the Marine Corps.

[ABNAK]

Not surprising. I'll bet the Corps would LOVE to get the $100 million for it's own budget but I'd wager it won't go that way!

As far as training foreign troops goes the U.S. actually had a school dedicated for countries south of Mexico (mainly officers) at one time: The United States Army School of the Americas (USARSA). It was originally in Panama and then moved to Ft. Benning. Closed now IIRC.

Interesting that the specific training realm is for the "Presidential Guard Command" unit. Bodyguard/Secret Service type of training?

[Slater]

The UAE had quite a shopping list today:


https://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/f.../uae_17-39.pdf

https://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/f.../uae_17-70.pdf

https://www.dsca.mil/sites/default/f.../uae_17-73.pdf

All these sales had the disclaimer:

"The Secretary of State has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the United Arab Emirates of the above defense articles (and defense services) in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the Congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended."

Thus going around the usual Congressional review. This item was actually on the evening news today. Evidently Congress isn't taking it too well.