New Bilateral Affairs Officer selected for U.S. Embassy in Liberia

“I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Morton said. “The many facets of the Michigan – Liberia partnership fascinates me, I look forward to my role in strengthening the bond between our countries. The Soldiers of the AFL [Armed Forces of Liberia] are receptive learners, hard workers and are a capable force for good among the Liberian people. The leadership teams are relatively new but fully dedicated to the preservation of national stability. My fellow Michigan OOL 16 advisors are developing skills of the AFL Joint Staff through enhancing established practices, sharing strategic planning methods, modeling professionalism and most importantly preparing the AFL for the United Nation’s 2016 troop drawdown which will place the AFL as the primary lead for defense of their country. I am honored and blessed to be the BAO in Liberia, developing our partnership and building friendships during this transitional period for the AFL and really all of Liberia.”

In his role as BAO, Morton will primarily be responsible for facilitating security and training operations between Michigan National Guard, State Partnership Program teams and AFL groups. The position is considered a diplomatic level assignment and Morton will maintain an office in the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia. He is scheduled to assume the position in April 2016.
During the next few years that include Morton’s assignment as BAO, Liberia will experience significant leadership changes that include introducing a new Liberian Ambassador in 2016 and the election of a new Liberian President in 2017. Both events, and many others, will require AFL participation in one form or another, thus the arrival of Morton as BAO is coming at an important time to help ensure safety and independence in the post-war nation.

Story written by Angie Simpson, Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs, Michigan National Guard

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