Photo Of The Day: Above we see Spc. Jacob Mink, a scout sniper assigned to 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1-149th, Infantry Battalion, Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, as he provides security during Exercise WAKRI 22 near Ali Sabieh, Djibouti. He’s using the M110A1 Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS), which is a development from Heckler & Koch’s HK417 in 7.62×51 mm. Note the optics from SIG Sauer and the tape covering the suppressor, probably to avoid sand and dust getting into the system. The suppressor cover is from Armageddon Gear.

Below: A French soldier with French Forces in Djibouti (FFDJ) scans for threats near Ali Adde, Djibouti, March 14, 2022. He’s using the FR F2 sniper rifle.

Exercise WAKRI 22, the largest annual French-led exercise on the African continent, was spread out across Djibouti and provided realistic training for French Armed Forces air, ground and sea components alongside their U.S. Allies. The three-day exercise demonstrated how the U.S. and France train together to defend against threats, strengthening their collective security forces and promoting regional security, stability, and prosperity.

Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1-149th, Infantry Battalion, Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, participate in Exercise WAKRI 22 near Ali Adde, Djibouti, March 13-15, 2022.

French Army soldiers with French Forces in Djibouti (FFDJ) and U.S. military members from Combined Joint Task Force.

Picture source: U.S. Army National Guard, Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements.