Senior US military officers arrive

KIGALI - Senior US Military officers arrive today for an official three-day visit, the Rwanda Defence Forces has announced. The delegation from the US Army National Defence University fellows at the rank of Brigadier General and senior Colonels will be in Rwanda in what is known as the CAPSTONE visit. The visit is expected to develop deeper understanding of common interests and how to build a stronger bond between the two armies. A statement signed by the army spokesman, Maj. Jill Rutaremera, also revealed that retired United States Air Force Gen. Joseph W Ashy, will lead the 17-man delegation. “The Delegation will meet with the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Chief of Defence Staff Gen, James Kabarebe,” he saidGen. Ashy and his delegation will be given an overview of the RDF, the current missions that the RDF is involved in, as well as its future engagement plans. The retired Gen holds a number of responsibilities besides being a senior fellow for CAPSTONE at the US Army National Defence University. They are expected to visit the Genocide Memorial at Gisozi where they will be briefed on the realities of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. CAPSTONE is an intensive six weeks course that consists of seminars, informal discussions, visits to key US Commands as well as overseas field studies that bring US generals and Flag Officers into contact with senior political and military leaders of various governments. The CAPSTONE curriculum focuses mainly on major national issues affecting national security decision making, military strategy, joint/combined doctrine and interoperability, among others. It is mandatory for all newly selected generals and flag officers to attend CAPSTONE. Ends