U.S. and Senegalese special operations forces concluded two military exchange training events Nov. 19, 2021, in Dakar, Senegal.

Joint Combined Exchange Training events enhance the readiness of U.S. and partner forces while also improving interoperability between nations. The exercises help set the foundation for sustainable and productive military-to-military relationships.

“The Senegalese military and government have been great partners to us and leaders in exporting security,” said Col. Robert Zyla, Special Operations Command Africa Chief of Staff, who attended the closing ceremonies. “From their dedication to training alongside our special operators during the recent exchange training to hosting Flintlock 2022, we thank our Senegalese partners and look forward to a continued strong relationship that promotes regional stability.”

During the JCET, U.S. special operations teams and their Senegalese counterparts trained for five weeks on laws of armed conflict, marksmanship, small unit tactics, infiltration techniques, interdiction operations, combat casualty care, and mission planning and execution.

This training event was the third JCET this year in Senegal bolstering U.S. and Senegalese skills, cooperation, and interoperability. Senegal is also hosting Flintlock, the premiere annual special operations exercise in West Africa, in early 2022.