DODJI, Senegal — After nearly a month of dynamic multinational training, Soldiers assigned to Dog Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, concluded their participation in African Lion 2025 (AL25)— U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual combined joint exercise.
Deployed to Centre d’Entraînement Tactique 2 (CET2), Dog Company executed a high-tempo training plan which tested its capabilities, reinforced foundational skills and deepened interoperability with partner forces from the Armed Forces of Senegal, the Mauritanian Armed Forces, the Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire and the Royal Netherlands Army.
“It was fantastic to see our paratroopers adapt their small-unit tactics, techniques, and procedures to best achieve their mission given the harsh environment,” said U.S. Army Capt. Austen Deppe, Dog Company commander.
Key events included a dismounted anti-tank live-fire exercise, multinational patrolling events culminating in a two-day combined field training exercise, integration of small, unmanned aircraft systems, and shared static live-fire ranges—all conducted in a resource-limited, austere desert environment.
“I’m proud to have participated in this event with our partners and proud of the fundamental capabilities we built collectively throughout the training,” said Deppe.
Dog Company Soldiers worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Senegalese and Dutch counterparts—not just in planning and execution, but in overcoming shared challenges. Whether firing anti-armor weapon systems, adjusting formations in unfamiliar terrain, or refining communications procedures, soldiers built trust and enhanced interoperability.
“Integration is key at every level in multinational operations, but seeing Soldiers build real cooperation at the small-unit level was the most rewarding,” said U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Maurice Novack, Dog Company first sergeant. “The Infantry is a mindset, and it was refreshing to see that, though small-unit tactics may vary across the greater force, we all share the critical mindset to close with and destroy the enemy—no matter the conditions.”
Dog Company also mentored junior Senegalese leaders during situational training exercises and worked alongside the Dutch 42nd Brigade Reconnaissance Squadron to enhance cross-unit communication during complex range operations.
“It wasn’t just us training them — we were learning, too,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Brian Garcia-Ono, a Dog Company squad leader. “Whether it was a different way to conduct a battle drill or TTPs [tactics, techniques and procedures] for operating in a desert environment, we left with new tools in the toolbox.”
AL25 brought together more than 10,000 troops from over 50 nations across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia. For Dog Company, the experience underscored the role of U.S. forces not only as trainers, but as long-term partners invested in regional security and mutual growth.
“This exercise was never meant to be easy,” Deppe said. “It was about building capability and confidence across logistics systems, tactical competence and organizational relationships on a personal level. That’s what defines African Lion to us, and that’s why we are proud to have participated.”
Deppe’s first sergeant agreed.
“Everyone’s going home better than they arrived,” Novack added. “We didn’t just build readiness. We built trust.”
About the 173rd Airborne Brigade The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.
About African Lion African Lion 25 (AL25) is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, and about 10,000 troops. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), on behalf of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), the exercise will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. AL25 is designed to restore the warrior ethos, sharpen lethality, and strengthen military readiness alongside our African partners and allies This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win.
