# US SpecOps Command and Madagascar’s special forces conduct joint training

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/08/us-specops-command-and-madagascars-special-forces-conduct-joint-training/
- Published: 2025-08-23T09:10:28+01:00
- Author: Patrick Kenyette

American special operations personnel have wrapped up a collaborative training stint
with their counterparts in Madagascar, marking another chapter in efforts to foster
military ties across the Indian Ocean region. The exercise, known as a Joint Combined
Exchange Training or JCET, brought together members of the U.S. Special Operations
Command Africa and Madagascar’s elite Groupement de Sécurité et d’Intervention Spéciale,
commonly referred to as the GSIS. Held in the capital city of Antananarivo throughout
June, the programme culminated on 30 June 2025, after six weeks of intensive drills
designed to sharpen skills on both sides. This partnership not only refined the 
capabilities of U.S. forces but also equipped Malagasy troops with enhanced tools
to safeguard their citizens, manage emergencies, and protect key national assets
like ports and energy facilities.

The training regimen encompassed a broad spectrum of tactical and practical elements,
reflecting the demands of modern security operations. Participants delved into close-
quarters combat techniques, which are essential for urban engagements or hostage
rescues where space is limited and decisions must be made in fractions of a second.
Precision marksmanship formed another core component, with sessions progressing 
from basic firearm handling to advanced scenarios involving moving targets and low-
light conditions. Mobility drills tested the ability to navigate varied terrains
swiftly, incorporating vehicle operations and recovery methods to simulate breakdowns
or ambushes in remote areas. Advanced medical care rounded out the curriculum, covering
battlefield trauma response, evacuation procedures, and stabilisation techniques
that could mean the difference between life and death in high-risk missions. Before
wrapping up, the forces underwent mission planning exercises to integrate these 
skills into cohesive strategies, leading to a final culmination event that put everything
to the test in a simulated operational environment.

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A detachment commander from the U.S. Army’s 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne),
who oversaw the American contingent, described the JCET as centred on three primary
aims: delivering effective instruction, fortifying alliances, and promoting regional
harmony. He noted that the initiative succeeded in these areas by cultivating strong
interpersonal connections and mutual confidence between the two nations’ militaries.
Such bonds are vital in an era where threats often transcend borders, requiring 
coordinated responses from allied forces. The commander further elaborated on the
emphasis placed on core proficiencies, including accurate shooting, fluid movement,
clear communication, and immediate medical intervention—these elements underpin 
every aspect of military endeavours, from routine patrols to complex counterterrorism
raids. He praised the GSIS for their adept performance across the board, especially
in the closing exercise, where they adeptly applied the joint lessons to achieve
mission objectives with notable efficiency.

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Conducting these sessions in authentic settings allowed U.S. operators to preserve
their tactical superiority, ensuring they remain prepared to advance American priorities
abroad. At the same time, the collaboration empowered Madagascar’s special units
to contribute more robustly to maintaining order in their homeland and the surrounding
waters. The Indian Ocean island nation faces a range of challenges, from piracy 
in nearby shipping lanes to potential natural disasters that demand rapid military
intervention. By sharing expertise, the U.S. helps build resilient partners capable
of addressing these issues independently or in concert with international forces,
thereby enhancing overall stability in a strategically important area.

This particular JCET exemplifies the broader value of such exchanges, providing 
platforms for troops from diverse backgrounds to trade insights and refine approaches.
American soldiers brought lessons from global deployments, while Malagasy personnel
offered perspectives shaped by their unique operational context, such as operating
in tropical climates or along extensive coastlines. The result is a two-way flow
of knowledge that elevates standards on both ends. For the United States, these 
programmes reaffirm a dedication to aiding Madagascar’s defence apparatus, investing
in joint preparedness that could prove invaluable during future contingencies. As
global dynamics shift, with increasing focus on Africa’s security landscape, initiatives
like this JCET play a quiet yet crucial role in weaving a network of capable allies
ready to confront shared dangers.

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