OLD ALLY, LIKE-NEW EQUIPMENT
Morocco strengthens its capacity to stabilize region and fight terrorism through partnership with U.S.
T
he Kingdom of Morocco is currently the largest U.S. weapons buyer in the 53-country region covered by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). U.S. assis- tance to Morocco enhances its capacity to promote
security and prevent acts of terrorism, and its ability to meet current and future threats. Te support has had a positive impact beyond Morocco, in both the Middle East and Africa. Morocco is emerging as a major partner for regional stabiliza- tion efforts and fighting terrorism, which furthers U.S. security.
One of the United States’ oldest partnerships is with Morocco. According to the U.S. Department of State, “Morocco formally recognized the United States by signing a peace treaty in 1786. Full diplomatic relations began in 1905, and normal diplomatic relations were resumed after U.S. recognition of Moroccan independence in 1956. Te two countries share common concerns and consult closely on regional security and sustain- able development.”
Scott Huther, AFRICOM regional operations division chief at the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC), said the Kingdom of Morocco recently requested 222 M1A1 Abrams tanks in an upgrade to its tank fleet that began in 2016. Te transfer of the Abrams tanks progressed rapidly, with the scheduled delivery to the Royal Armed Forces completed in August. Tis significant sale has assisted Morocco with build- ing its capacity. DOD provided the vehicles through the Excess Defense Articles program, where excess equipment is offered at reduced or no cost to eligible foreign recipients on an “as is,
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where is” basis in support of U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives.
“Tese tanks continue to modernize the Kingdom of Moroc- co’s military and will enhance its readiness to meet current and future needs,” Huther said. “Te Moroccans are very astute regarding their equipment requirements, and the fact they chose to use our depot system to refurbish their tanks speaks to the strength of the relationship our militaries share. Te customer has choices for where to obtain equipment, but because of the relationship between the U.S. and the King- dom of Morocco, plus the total-package approach provided by the U.S. military, Morocco chose the M1A1 tank, our excess equipment.”
Te U.S. Army’s top priorities include readiness to deploy, fight and win, and to modernize and evolve to build greater capa- bilities and capacities. However, the U.S. military cannot both engage in multiple conflicts around the world and modernize the force without enhancing the strength of partner nations. So, also included in the top Army priorities is enhancing the professional relationships, training and overall coordination with our allies and partners.
While multinational exercises are one way to do this, the initial building blocks that allow the U.S. to develop relationships with allies and partners are security cooperation and assis- tance. Te security cooperation and assistance mission is a vital foreign policy tool, and sales of military equipment are part
Army AL&T Magazine
October-December 2018
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