US Africa Command Special Operations Forces to Train in Benin, to Prepare for Violent Extremism Threats

Ouassa, Benin — Special Operations Command Africa forces partnered with the Beninese Army during a Joint Combined Exchange Training that concluded Sept. 9, 2022, in Ouassa, Benin. US Army Green Berets assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) collaborated with the Beninese Army’s 1st Commando Parachute Battalion members to hone tactical and operational skills.

As violent extremism poses a threat to global stability, safeguarding these borders from incoming threats requires a collective multilateral effort. Engagements, including JCETs, provide mutual benefits to partner forces as they enhance partner capacity and strengthen relationships to combat regional insecurity and instability.

US Army Green Berets assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) and Beninese soldiers from the 1st Commando Parachute Battalion take a knee for mission progress feedback during a Joint Combined Exercise Training (JCET) in Ouassa, Benin, Sept. 7, 2022. Our engagement is one small contribution to helping our partners safeguard their people and combat the global threat of violent extremism. (US Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jasmonet Holmes)

The JCET program’s primary purpose is to provide partner nations with special operations units with specific training to promote security and stability in Africa. In addition, JCETs enhance US relationships with partner nations by developing and maintaining critical military-to-military connections and improving joint and allied readiness and interoperability.

A Beninese soldier from the 1st Commando Parachute Battalion renders a salute to the U.S. and Beninese Army Forces leadership during the Joint Combined Exercise Training (JCET) closing ceremony in Ouassa, Benin, Sept. 9, 2022. A closing ceremony is held at the end of every JCET iteration to celebrate the successful completion of U.S and host nation partnership, training and collaboration. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jasmonet Holmes)

This exchange is part of a series of US engagements with the Beninese military that provides opportunities for units to work together, learn from each other, build interoperability, and strengthen relationships. This recent engagement represents the second JCET that US special operations forces conducted with Beninese forces this year. The two partner forces hosted a March JCET and participated alongside one another in previous Flintlock exercises with other allied and African partner nations. Flintlock isAfrica’se premier special operations exercisa, with 30 participating countries.

US Africa Command special operations forces demonstrate their commitment to their African partners through sustained military and civil engagements across the continent.