U.S., Botswanan forces hone special operational skills

Maintaining relations through JCETs and other engagements illustrates the strong security cooperation between the partner nations to combat violent extremism and other external threats.



By Special Operations Command Africa Special Operations Command Africa THEBEPHATSHWA AIR BASE, Botswana Nov 03, 2022
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 3 images

Special Operations Command Africa forces concluded a Joint Combined Exchange Training with the Botswana Defence Force at the Thebephatshwa Air Base, Botswana, in September 2022.

Instability and violent extremism remain a threat in Africa, and ensuring African partners are equipped with the knowledge and skill sets to best address these threats is part of joint efforts to achieve stability. Maintaining relationships through JCETs and other engagements illustrates security cooperation between partner nations against violent extremism and other external threats.

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

The U.S.-Botswana exchange was part of a series of U.S. engagements with the Botswana Defence Force that provide opportunities for units to work together, learn from one another, build interoperability, and strengthen relationships. The engagement marked the second JCET collaboration with Botswana in 2022 after the completion of an earlier JCET in March. The two partner forces have conducted various joint trainings together for over 20 years.

U.S. Africa Command special operations forces remain committed to productive engagements with their African partners to ensure greater security across the continent and beyond.

More in Media Room
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Oct. 3, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM Support Leads to Cocaine Seizure
U.S. Africa Command support to the French Navy led to the seizure of almost 10 tons of cocaine on Sept. 22. 2025.
Read more
Lapse In Appropriations
The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sept. 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status, without pay, until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Oct. 3, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM Support Leads to Cocaine Seizure
U.S. Africa Command support to the French Navy led to the seizure of almost 10 tons of cocaine on Sept. 22. 2025.
Read more
Lapse In Appropriations
The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sept. 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status, without pay, until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Oct. 3, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM Support Leads to Cocaine Seizure
U.S. Africa Command support to the French Navy led to the seizure of almost 10 tons of cocaine on Sept. 22. 2025.
Read more
Lapse In Appropriations
The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sept. 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status, without pay, until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.
Read more