Calls For Military Corporation
Monrovia, Liberia – The U.S. AFRICOM Military General, Michael E. Langley has paid a courtesy visit to Liberia’s Defense Minister, Brig Gen. Geraldine J. George (Rtd.). During the visit, Gen. Michael Langley and Brig. Gen. Geraldine George (Rtd.) emphasized the importance of cooperation and partnership between the two organizations, according to a Ministry of Defense release dated November 8, 2024.
The meeting also borders on the significance of mutual cooperation, and understanding in the realm of defense and security. Minister George also conveyed her gratitude and appreciation for the ongoing assistance the United States Africa Command has given to the Liberian Armed Forces and the Ministry of National Defense in the form of training, supplies, and mentorship.
She told General Langley that the Liberian Armed Forces and the Ministry of National Defense were still struggling with limited capacity building and logistical issues.
The visiting delegation was informed by Liberia’s defense minister that the porous borders in the Mano River region pose a security challenge. The minister also underlined the importance of intelligence sharing, joint training exercises, and capacity building programs for the AFL and other armed forces in the Mano River Union countries.
The Defense Boss assured the US AFRICOM Commanding General and members of his team of her commitment to ongoing defense governance and reform process aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency within the Armed Forces of Liberia and the Ministry of National Defense.
General Langley stated that AFRICOM is dedicated to helping Liberia improve its national security infrastructure and bolster its defense capabilities. According to General Langley, these kind of exchanges are essential for strengthening international relations and advancing regional peace and security.
He said by engaging in these activities, common risks would be efficiently addressed and a safer environment would be created for all individuals.
A presentation highlighting the Armed Forces of Liberia’s administration, strength, logistics, and training prospects was given at the Armed Forces of Liberia Headquarters after the General’s meeting with the Defense Minister.
In August 2022, General Michael E. Langley of the U.S. Marine Corps was appointed as the sixth Commander of the United States Africa Command.
With its headquarters located in Stuttgart, Germany, U.S. Africa Command is one of seven joint-service regional combatant commands that oversees all US military operations and activities aimed at safeguarding and advancing American national interests in Africa.
A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Langley graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington and commissioned in 1985. He commanded at every level from the platoon to regiment- including Battery K, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, in support of Operation WILDFIRE in the Western U.S.; Battalion and regimental commands in 12th Marines forward deployed in Okinawa, Japan; and both the 201st Regional Corps Advisory Command-Central and Regional Support command-Southwest in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan.
As a general officer, his command assignments include Deputy Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force and Commanding General, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade; Commander, Marine Forces Europe and Africa; and Deputy Commanding General, culminating as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic; and Deputy Commander, culminating as Commanding General, Marine Forces Command and Marine Forces Northern Command.
Langley’s staff and joint assignments include serving as a division officer for Marine Corps Institute, Marine Barracks 8th and I; Deputy G-1, 1st Marine Division deployed in support of Operation RESTORE HOPE in Somalia; Naval Surface Fire Support Requirements Officer in the Expeditionary Warfare Division (N75) and Joint Integration Officer in the Surface Warfare Division (N76), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; Policy Action Officer in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate, Joint Staff J-5; Iraq Desk Officer in the Operations Directorate, Joint Staff J-3; Deputy Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff; Assessments Branch Head, Programs and Resources, Headquarters, Marine Corps; Assistant Division Commander of 3d Marine Division; Deputy Director for Operations, Joint Staff J-3; Assistant Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources, Headquarters, Marine Corps; and Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy, J-5, U.S. Central Command.
Langley’s formal military education includes U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School and College of Naval Command and Staff.
He holds multiple advanced degrees including Masters in National Security Strategic Studies from the U.S Naval War College and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
The visit of General Langley to the Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces of Liberia symbolizes the importance of diplomatic exchanges in the realm of defense and security, highlighting the shared commitment of the United States Government to maintaining peace and security in Liberia and the Mano River region.
It also sets a positive tone for future collaborations and underscores the essential role of partnerships in addressing complex security challenges effectively in Africa.
Reported by: Prince Saah
Contact: +231778239813
Email: saahprince119@gmail.com
