Has anyone been deployed to Senegal? If so, please tell me about your experience. (Remember don't discuss sensitive information)

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 11:24:02 -0500

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2016 11:28 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 11:28:02 -0500

I have Sergeant, I was in Dakar which is the capital. It was pretty bombed out looking (more unfinished than anything) we were allowed to go off base. The shopping areas were basically like the ones in the states. It's Africa, so I don't think I have to tell you it's hot. I'm not sure where in Senegal you're headed so your experiences may vary

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2016 2:54 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 14:54:10 -0500

I have been there, lovely country. Very inexpensive, they speak all types of European languages. The shops will try and screw you out of money, but so what? It's a good time and an experience.

Response by Maj John Bell made Feb 13 at 2016 7:30 PM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 13 Feb 2016 19:30:45 -0500

Inspected the Marine detachment there in 1989. Never left Dakar. Haven't kept up with what is going on there now. It was hot and humid. Giant Prawns were dirt cheap. $10 fed 25 people. The people were friendly and almost universally spoke English. It was one of the nicer, more stable, and crime-free capitols in west Africa. Iron your undies and any other clothing that spends a significant time damp in the open air. It kills the flies that lay "mango" worms that burrow into your skin. If you're going anywhere there is a US Diplomatic office, check-in. The Marines and/or contract guards or RSO can give you the "skinny" on safe and good liberty spots.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 1:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 13:01:24 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member - Isn't SFC Hassell still with the 82nd CA BN? If so, hit him up - or message me on here and I'll give you my email, then you can email me what information you're specifically looking for.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2018 10:59 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 22:59:54 -0500

I was there in 2005, mostly in Dakar. Relatively modern - did not look “bombed out” as somebody else described. It’s one of the more stable African countries. Things are generally inexpensive, food is good, and there is a fair amount of tourism in Dakar (mostly from Europe). The countryside is more rustic and underdeveloped. The country still has a strong connection to France and when I was there, there was a French airbase in Dakar.