DVIDS – News – African SOF, U.S. Particular Operations Command Africa Announce Flintlock 2023

Accra, Ghana – U.S. Particular Operations Command Africa (SOCAF) will conduct Flintlock 2023 in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire March 1-15, 2023, with roughly 1,300 service members from 30 collaborating nations.

Flintlock is U.S. Africa Command’s premier and largest annual particular operations train combining navy and regulation enforcement to strengthen African and worldwide particular operations forces capabilities. The train, which first premiered in 2005, operates on the idea of mutual respect and collaboration to advance the shared pursuits of regional stability.

“Flintlock will signify the expertise of all these nations collectively working to unravel the safety challenges that pose threats throughout the area,” acknowledged SOCAF Deputy Commander, Col. Robert Zyla, throughout a January 13 mixed press convention in Accra. “Violent extremism threatens the steadiness of not solely Africa, however our companions across the globe. A safer and safer Africa will end in a extra affluent world society and safety surroundings.”

Flintlock intends to strengthen the power of key accomplice nations within the area to counter violent extremist organizations, collaborate throughout borders, and supply safety for his or her folks, whereas respecting human rights and constructing belief with civilian populations. The strong participation of African and worldwide companions displays a mutual dedication to countering malign exercise and violent extremism all through the Sahel and West Africa area. Whereas regional safety is the main target of the train, classes discovered at Flintlock will create lasting results past North and West Africa.

U.S. forces have traditionally partnered with Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire via a number of navy and civil affairs exchanges. Final yr, Côte d’Ivoire hosted Flintlock 2022, with greater than 400 individuals from ten nations. This yr’s iteration goals to proceed reinforcing the collective skill of allied and accomplice nations to handle key safety challenges.