Maryland Guard Soldier and Computer Science Major Djibril Diop Returns to Senegal for African Lion 2024

After more than six years, Maryland National Guardsman Spc. Djibril Diop (B.S. '24, computer science), a 92Y Supply Specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, returned to his native country to provide critical support and help bridge cultural gaps with partner-led training activities in support of exercise African Lion 2024 (AL24).

Growing up

Diop was born in 1998 and grew up with his mother and father in Saint Louis, a town in northern Senegal. Through his middle and high school years, Diop learned to speak three languages: English, French, and Wolof, a West African language. He also learned to read Arabic. Upon graduating high school at the age of 17, Diop completed a social aptitude test before leaving Senegal with his mother in 2017.

“My mother assisted me with the exam, helping me to prepare and pass, setting me up with a foundation that ultimately ensured my future success in the United States,” Diop said.

A year later, in 2018, Diop enlisted in the Maryland National Guard (MNG) and by working through the Immigration and Nationality Act, he was able to streamline his U.S. citizenship in 2019. He then enrolled in the University of Maryland, College Park and is set to graduate in December 2024 with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in French.

The Return

Being a multilingual Soldier helps Diop serve as a linchpin to building and maintaining partnerships for the U.S. Armed Forces.

As part of a contingent of about 300 MNG Soldiers with the 1-175th Infantry Regiment, Diop supports AL24 by providing enhanced military training and cooperation and maintaining peace in the region.

“It feels amazing to return to my home country while representing the MNG and the U.S. Army,” Diop said. “I’ve been able to instantly connect with host-nation Senegalese soldiers by translating during our daily training exercises and between multinational leaders and the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade advisors.”

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