Special Operations Command Africa forces concluded a Civil Affairs Joint Combined Exchange Training alongside the Tanzania Marine Special Forces in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Nov. 15, 2022. The month-long training gave both the U.S. and Tanzania servicemembers the opportunity to develop and maintain critical military-to-military connections and improve joint and allied readiness and interoperability. While joint exchanges between the two nations aren’t new, this exercise helped develop different capabilities and incorporate elements from the civil affairs unit. The JCET program’s primary purpose is to provide partner-nation special operations units specific training to promote security and stability in Africa. U.S. Africa Command and special operations forces are committed to mutually beneficial engagements with partners.
“This course is very crucial for our special forces because it enables us to be better prepared for various scenarios and upcoming duties. It is also the opportunity to share experience and knowledge between our special forces,” said Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces Marine Special Forces Commander Lt. Col. Athumani Ghamunga.
“This was the first civil affairs focused JCET in Tanzania. The training focused on civil affairs and civil military operations to include civil reconnaissance, civil engagements, we discussed negotiations, mediations and tactical combat casualty care,” said U.S. Army Capt. Tyler Clarke, a civil affairs team lead.
“Joint combined exchange training is the bridge and glue which binds together the relationship between Tanzania and the U.S.,” said Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces Brig. Gen. Iddi Nkambi.
Special Operations Command Africa was activated on 1 October 2008 and became fully operationally capable on 1 October 2009. SOCAFRICA is a Subordinate-Unified Command of United States Special Operations Command, operationally controlled by U.S. Africa Command, collocated with USAFRICOM at Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart-Möhringen, Germany. SOCAFRICA’s objectives are to build operational capacity, strengthen regional security and capacity initiatives, implement effective communication strategies in support of strategic objectives, and eradicate violent extremist organizations and their supporting networks. SOCAFRICA forces work closely with both U.S. Embassy country teams and African partners, maintaining a small but sustained presence throughout Africa, predominantly in the OEF-TS and CJTF-HOA regions.
