# US, Moroccan SpecOps concludes JCET exercise

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2021/07/us-moroccan-specops-concludes-jcet-exercise/
- Published: 2021-07-28T11:54:58+01:00
- Author: Darek Liam

U.S. and Moroccan special operations forces recently completed a Joint Combined 
Exchange Training (JCET) exercise on July 19, 2021, in Tangier, Morocco.

This JCET exercise – which is the third JCET program executed in Morocco this year,
is designed to enhance the readiness of U.S. and partner forces, while also improving
interoperability between nations.

During the closing ceremony, U.S. Army Col. Brian Hughes, U.S. Special Operations
Command Africa deputy commander said “Our U.S. and Moroccan special operations teams
put together an exceptional training plan that executed operations in the air, on
the ground, and at sea.”

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/us-moroccan-special-operations-
forces-further-strengthen-security-cooperation-4.jpeg)

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/us-moroccan-special-operations-
forces-further-strengthen-security-cooperation-3.jpeg)

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/us-moroccan-special-operations-
forces-further-strengthen-security-cooperation-2.jpeg)

![](https://www.military.africa/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/us-moroccan-special-operations-
forces-further-strengthen-security-cooperation-1.jpeg)

“The high level of readiness and interoperability we collectively achieved is a 
testament to the professionalism of the teams, the interoperability of U.S. and 
Moroccan forces, and our strong enduring partnership.” Col. Brian Hughes added.

U.S. special operations teams and their Moroccan counterparts trained for two months
on marksmanship, small unit tactics, helicopter and maritime infiltration techniques,
maritime interdiction operations, combat casualty care, and mission planning and
execution.

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Moroccan SOF units from the Gendarmerie, Army and Navy participated in the JCET 
exercise.

“The JCET is yet another excellent example of the close and enduring security partnership
between the United States and Morocco,” said Chargé d’affaires Lawrence Randolph
with the U.S. Embassy in Morocco. “It comes as we are celebrating the bicentennial
of the Tangier American Legation, our first diplomatic post in Morocco and a symbol
of 200 years of friendship between our countries.”

This year alone, the U.S. Special Operations Command Africa has conducted JCET with
Nigeria, [Ivory Coast](https://www.military.africa/2021/07/us-ivorian-specops-fine-tuned-counter-terror-skills),
and Morocco.

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For Ivory Coast, the JCET exercise was done in Abijan on 9 July to provide special
operations units specific training to hone military skills

According to the U.S. African Command (AFRICOM), this type of exercise provide opportunities
for units to work together, learn from each other, build interoperability, and strengthen
relationships.

Earlier this year, U.S. and Morocco [participated](https://www.military.africa/2021/02/african-lion-military-exercise-set-for-june-despite-covid-19)
in the 17th episode of African Lion. Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal and Spain hosted 
the multinational exercise.

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