U.S. Ambassador Craig Cloud joined Botswana Defence Force Director of the Directorate of Special Operations on March 16, 2022 for a closing ceremony of the Joint Combined Exercise Training (JCET) aimed at strengthening response to contemporary and future security challenges at Thebephatswa Air Base.  Commander, Air Arm Command, Major General HT Rakgantswana, represented the BDF Command at the event. 

The U.S. special operations team recently conducted a six week long training exercise with the Botswana Defence Force Special Forces Regiment (BDF SFR).  The training further developed interoperability and capacity building through the long-standing military to military relationship between the U.S. and Botswana.  This relationship further strengthens the national and regional security posture of Botswana.  

The U.S. government has long supported Botswana as a partner for peace and security within the southern African region.  The BDF and U.S. Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAF) have conducted JCETs for over 20 years.  SOCAF’s assistance with the development of the BDF SFR helps the government of Botswana optimize security that sets the standard regionally.  

The ceremony highlighted the hard work and dedication of both partners as they conducted rigorous training.  The training included small unit tactics and operational planning.  The JCET culminated with a field training exercise that displayed the comprehensive training gained during the event.  This training benefited the BDF SFR and the U.S. Special Operations team through increased cultural understanding and awareness.