TZ-US joint military training enhances defence

COASTAL REGION: IN a bid to strengthen US Tanzania bilateral ties and military-security collaboration, the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) and the US military have conducted a five-day joint training exercise aimed at enhancing regional security and peacekeeping capabilities.

The land-based exercise, dubbed Justified Accord 2025, focused on joint Peace Support Operations training.

This brought together US and Tanzanian land forces at the Msata Military Training Base in Bagamoyo, located in the Coastal Region.

The exercise also provided invaluable experience in counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) tactics, gender protection, medical evacuation procedures and the integration of both manned and unmanned aerial vehicles in peace operations.

During the closing ceremony, which was attended by senior leaders from the TPDF, the US Embassy in Tanzania and the Nebraska National Guard of the US Army, Kunduchi Commandant of the Army War College, Major General Selemani Mzee represented Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Jacob Nkunda.

He said that the training has helped prepare Tanzanian soldiers by fostering a common understanding of various military tactics and addressing security challenges.

“This exercise is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation. Training like this builds mutual understanding between our forces and the US military, equipping us with the necessary skills to address security challenges that require military intervention,” said Major General Mzee.

He also noted that the TPDF and the US military have a long history of working together to strengthen their mutual capabilities and deepen the partnership between the two nations.

He reiterated the TPDF’s commitment to continue strengthening bilateral ties with the US military, ensuring the continuity of joint exercises and providing more soldiers the opportunity to participate in future training.

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“TPDF will continue to collaborate with other forces to enhance the skills of our soldiers,” he affirmed.

“It is our expectation that this cooperation will continue with the US military, with whom we have maintained a strong relationship, as well as with other forces when the need arises to further improve our soldiers’ skills.”

On his part, the US Deputy Ambassador to Tanzania, Andrew Lentz, commended the successful completion of the joint military training, emphasising its importance in strengthening security cooperation between the two nations.

He also underscored the significance of the Justified Accord 2025 exercise as part of a broader partnership with the Nebraska National Guard under the US Army State Partnership Programme.

This initiative aims to enhance military readiness and foster closer ties between the two defence forces, reinforcing not only security but also diplomatic relations.

The Commander of the Nebraska National Guard, Major General Craig Strong, who led the training, emphasised the importance of preparedness in an ever-evolving security environment.

“What this type of training does, more than anything, is build the readiness of our soldiers and their ability to adapt to the constantly changing security landscape,” he said.

He commended the participants for their achievements in key operational areas such as patrolling, counter-IED operations and peace support operations.

Major General Strong also expressed optimism about future engagements with the TPDF, noting the promising outlook for continued collaboration.