{"id":257203,"date":"2024-08-16T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-16T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=257203"},"modified":"2024-08-17T20:17:06","modified_gmt":"2024-08-17T20:17:06","slug":"us-botswana-forces-conclude-successful-southern-accord-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=257203","title":{"rendered":"US, Botswana forces conclude successful Southern Accord 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class David Moore, an advisor with the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, meets with the Botswana Defence Force as part of exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Shoshong, Botswana, Aug. 8, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alisha Grezlik)
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Back to\u00a0U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

SHOSHONG, Botswana \u2014 After two weeks of intensive training and collaboration, exercise Southern Accord 2024<\/a> concluded with a closing ceremony in Shoshong, marking another milestone in the longstanding partnership between the U.S. and Botswana.<\/p>\n

The bi-annual joint exercise, held from August 5-15, 2025, brought together forces from U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), the Botswana Defence Force (BDF)<\/a>, the 79th Theater Sustainment Command<\/a>, the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade<\/a> and the North Carolina Army and Air National Guard<\/a>, further solidifying the military cooperation between these partnered nations.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur goal was to build our bilateral joint readiness, and I can confidently say, \u2018mission accomplished,\u2019\u201d said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John LeBlanc, deputy commanding general of SETAF-AF. \u201cThis exercise has been a resounding success thanks to the leadership and support of the BDF. From the facilities here in Shoshong to the logistics and material support, we truly couldn\u2019t have done it without your leadership and collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Botswana Defence Force Col. David Nkete, lead exercise planner with the BDF, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Porter, deputy chief of exercises (G7), U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), provide remarks to the media after the opening ceremony of exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 5, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by SETAF-AF. Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Richard Dickson)
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\n A U.S. Army Soldier from 20th Special Forces Group – (Airborne), North Carolina National Guard, shakes hands with a Botswana Defence Force Special Forces soldier during a training event at exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Thebephatshwa Air Base, Botswana, Aug. 9, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
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Sponsored by U.S. Africa Command<\/a> and led by SETAF-AF, the exercise focused on enhancing bilateral joint readiness through a series of complex training scenarios, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, peacekeeping missions and aeromedical evacuations. Held across three locations in Botswana, it underscored the shared commitment to regional security and stability in Southern Africa.<\/p>\n

One of the defining elements of the exercise was the participation of the North Carolina Army and Air National Guard, which has shared a State Partnership Program<\/a> with the BDF since 2008. During his closing ceremony remarks, LeBlanc commented on the importance of this program.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a guardsman myself, I\u2019m incredibly proud of the work of the State Partnership Program. North Carolina\u2019s partnership with Botswana, going strong since 2008, is a shining example of what we can accomplish through SPP.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n U.S. Army Sgt. Cole Mitchell, infantry team leader, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, demonstrates room clearing techniques to Botswana Defence Force soldiers at exercise Southern Accord 2024 at Shoshong, Botswana, Aug. 9, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Josiah Jenkins)
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\n Botswana Defence Force Special Forces soldiers conduct simulated casualty evacuation at exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Thebephatshwa Air Base, Botswana, Aug. 9, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
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Over the years, this partnership has facilitated numerous exchanges of military best practices. North Carolina\u2019s involvement not only highlighted the depth of the US-Botswana relationship but also reinforced the importance of sustained military collaboration in enhancing joint operational capabilities.<\/p>\n

\u201cSouthern Accord is the latest example and testimony to the two countries’ cooperation in security-related matters in pursuit of peace, stability and the rule of law,\u201d said Botswana’s Minister of Defence, Kagiso Thomas Mmusi. \u201cIt is also honoring an exchange of skills for the betterment of our readiness when and wherever we may encounter future threats.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n A U.S. Army Soldier with the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), North Carolina National Guard, discusses training with a Botswana Defence Force Special Forces soldier at exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Thebephatshwa Air Base, Botswana, Aug. 9, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
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\n U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alyssa Fleming, communications advisor with the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, takes a pause while going over sand tables and battle drills with the Botswana Defence Force at exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Shoshong, Botswana, Aug. 8, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alisha Grezlik)
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Throughout the exercise, participants engaged in a variety of training events designed to simulate real-world challenges. These included live-fire drills, squad and platoon training exercises, disaster relief workshops, as well as exchanges involving engineering, air and logistics.<\/p>\n

The joint efforts of U.S. and Botswana forces were evident in every scenario, with each military working side-by-side throughout the exercise.<\/p>\n

U.S. Ambassador to Botswana, Howard A. Van Vranken, also drew a parallel between the exercise and Botswana\u2019s recent success in the Olympics, where local sprinter Letsile Tebogo won gold in the 200-meter dash.<\/p>\n

\u201cBotswana and its armed forces are gifted,\u201d said Van Vranken. \u201cBut talent isn’t good enough. You have to add a commitment to be the best. On top of that, you’ve got to have discipline. And then you’ve got to just work hard. When you combine all of that, along with a very supportive community, you achieve excellence. And that’s what we’ve seen here in Botswana at Southern Accord 2024.”<\/p>\n

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\n Howard A. Van Vranken, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Botswana, walks with U.S. Army Maj. Teisha Barnes, a civil military officer and women, peace and security lead with U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), during exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana, Aug. 13, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by SETAF-AF. Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
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Van Vranken\u2019s remarks came on the heels of a successful medical civic action program (MEDCAP)<\/a> also held during the exercise, where U.S. and BDF counterparts teamed with civic leaders and local clinics to offer free healthcare. Services included dental and eyecare services, as well as HIV and cervical cancer screening.<\/p>\n

The MEDCAP saw an average of 300 patients per day over a two-week period, a 900% increase over the 30 patients normally seen at the local clinic.<\/p>\n

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\n Local community members await treatment during a medical civic action program (MEDCAP) co-planned by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Botswana Defence Force at exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Shoshong, Botswana, Aug. 8, 2024. Many services were provided during the MEDCAP, including vision, dental, pediatric and general healthcare screening. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
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\n U.S. Army Sgt. Brennan Prince, a team leader with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, North Carolina National Guard, fosters esprit de corps with a Botswana Defence Force soldier during the reflexive fire drill as part of exercise Southern Accord 2024 at Shoshong, Botswana, Aug. 6, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). Running from Aug. 5-15, the exercise brings together U.S. Army and Air Force personnel and Botswana Defence Force counterparts to conduct a variety of training to include humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, as well as peacekeeping and aeromedical evacuation. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral military capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Josiah Jenkins)
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The exercise also provided a platform for advancing gender integration and supporting women, peace and security (WPS)<\/a> initiatives. The BDF, in collaboration with SETAF-AF, implemented a 5-year WPS strategy, led by the BDF\u2019s Gender Integration office, established in September 2023. Ambassador Van Vranken said this initiative reflects the commitment of both nations to promoting inclusivity and empowering women within the armed forces.<\/p>\n

As the exercise came to a close, LeBlanc called attention to the successes of the exercise, not just in terms of the skills gained, but also in the strengthened bonds between the U.S. and Botswana forces.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur commitment to African security is unquestioned,\u201d concluded LeBlanc. \u201cThe bilateral force we saw working together here today looks very different from the first day of the exercise. It\u2019s only by conducting missions side-by-side that trust and unity is strengthened.\u201d<\/p>\n

About SETAF-AF<\/strong><\/p>\n

SETAF-AF provides\u00a0<\/strong>U.S. Africa Command<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0U.S. Army Europe and Africa<\/a>\u00a0a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.<\/p>\n

Follow SETAF-AF on:<\/strong>\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0YouTube<\/a>,\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>\u00a0&\u00a0DVIDS<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class David Moore, an advisor with the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade, meets with the Botswana Defence Force as part of exercise Southern Accord 2024 in Shoshong, Botswana, Aug. 8, 2024. Southern Accord 2024 is a bi-annual joint exercise sponsored by U.S. Africa Command and led by U.S. Army Southern European […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":257205,"comment_status":"close","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-257203","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/257203","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=257203"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/257203\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":257216,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/257203\/revisions\/257216"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/257205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=257203"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=257203"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=257203"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}