On 18 August 2025, an American Congressional delegation headed by Democratic Senator Jack Reed visited the High Command of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia.
During the courtesy visit, which was held in the Office of the Chief of Staff, Major General Davidson Forleh welcomed the delegation and emphasized the importance of the long-standing traditional friendship, which exists between the United States of America and the Republic of Liberia.
General Forleh made specific emphasis on the assistance and training opportunities conducted by the Pacific Architects and Engineers (PAE) and DynCorp International Inc., through the support of the US Government.
On accounts of “ what can we do to help you” as asked by Senator Reed, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, was quick to mention the shortcomings and challenges that the AFL currently faces which include but not limited to equipment and logistics.
The COS stressed the need for tactical vehicles, Small Weapon system, Mortars, rifles, among others.
General Forleh mentioned that equipment and recruitment are his top priorities. He also mentioned the need to support the Liberia Coast Guard with patrol boats, logistics and equipment for the protection of both our international and local waters from terrorists and other illegal operatives.
The AFL COS stressed the crucial need for more logistics due to the activation of new AFL units (Engineering Battalion, Agriculture Company, Signal Company, and the Amour Recce Battalion).
General Forleh also thanked the American Government for providing the resources for training the new AFL to becoming robust and a “Force for Good.” Based on the military training gotten from the United States, the AFL was successfully launched in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali for eight years as a Base Defense Unit.
Senator Jack Reed, a Democrat, was elected as the U.S. Senator in 1996 and began representing Rhode Island the following year. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives (1991–97).
Senator Reed is one of just eight Senators in U.S. history to graduate from West Point.
He served in the 82nd Airborne Division before teaching Economics and International Relations at West Point from 1977 to 1979, when he left active duty. Reed, however, continued in the Army Reserved until 1991, when he retired at the rank of major.
After earning a law degree from Harvard in 1982, in 1984 he ran for and was elected to the Rhode Island Senate. He served in that body from 1985 to 1990, when he left to run for the U.S. House of Representatives.
On the other side, Congressman Gabe Amo, who spent most of his career in public service in Rhode Island and Washington, D.C., was sworn into Congress on November 13, 2023.
During the Biden Administration, Congressman Gabe Amo served as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, where he worked as the principal liaison to mayors and local elected officials. In that role, he also connected state and local leaders across the country with the federal resources made available to them through historic legislation like the American Rescue Plan, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and Inflation Reduction Act.
He also coordinated responses to major national crises including gun violence, extreme weather, and public health emergencies.
Senator Reed, impressed by General Forleh’s statements, praised General Forleh for his good work by bringing the AFL this far.
He promised to look out with relevant partners to support the AFL with military assistance and the provision of more opportunities for schools abroad.
The COS presented plaques as gifts to Senator Reed and Congressman Gabe Amo as appreciation for their visit.
