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CRISTÓBAL COLÓN, Panama — U.S. and Panamanian security forces are preparing to begin the first 21-day Combined Jungle Operations Training Course Oct. 9-29, an initiative intended to build interoperability and strengthen regional security in the jungle environment.
The course, coordinated by the Joint Security Cooperation Group – Panama (JSCG-P), will integrate participation from the 25th Infantry Division’s Lightning Academy, Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-B), and 56th Signal Battalion from Army South. Additionally, U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, will train alongside Panama’s National Border Service (SENAFRONT), National Air and Naval Service (Aeronaval) and National Police (PNP). The training emphasizes cooperation across forces, with U.S. Marines and JTF-B helicopters already arriving to partner with Panama’s security institutions.
“This course is more than a training event — it’s practice in working shoulder-to-shoulder with our Panamanian partners,” said Col. Ada Cotto, commander of JSCG-P. “By the time it concludes, we aim to have interoperable teams — able to act as one element in the jungle.”
Course Structure
The 21-day program will unfold in three progressive phases – survival, tactics, and patrol operations. During the initial survival phase, students will learn the fundamentals of living in the jungle, including machete employment, firecraft, water purification and the construction of primitive shelters. Instruction will emphasize adaptability and endurance as trainees learn to thrive using limited resources.
The second phase will introduce tactical operations, focusing on small-unit movement techniques, ambushes, casualty evacuation, waterborne maneuvers and patrol base defense. These events will test decision-making under pressure while reinforcing the importance of communication between multinational squads.
The final patrol phase, students will conduct five combined missions – including reconnaissance, ambush and waterborne scenarios – before facing the culminating “Green Mile” endurance event and graduation. Throughout, instructors will evaluate teamwork, leadership, and the ability to sustain effectiveness in extreme conditions.
“This is designed to test more than individual stamina,” said Capt. Lauryn Westman, jungle operations OIC for JSCG-P. “We are stressing team cohesion under pressure — because interoperability isn’t theoretical. It's proven when your partner has your back in demanding environments.”
Partner Participation
Panama’s security institutions are deeply integrated, and each will have a part in teaching the course, for example: SENAFRONT instructors will lead navigation and survival methods; Aeronaval instructors will lead riverine operations; the PNP instructors will lead ambush and contact drills; and the 25th Infantry Division will lead tracking and counter-tracking modules. From the planning phase onward, the course has emphasized joint ownership.
Interoperability and Readiness
Over 25 participants will train under U.S. and Panamanian supervision, supported by two HH-60 helicopters and one UH-60 helicopter from JTF-Bravo to provide medical training and evacuation as needed. A combined medical team will be ready on site.
Blank ammunition, realistic casualty drills and sustained field operations will challenge students physically and mentally. The goal: produce graduates who are not just individually proficient, but capable of functioning seamlessly as a combined force.
| Date Taken: | 10.08.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.08.2025 14:26 |
| Story ID: | 550072 |
| Location: | COLON, PA |
| Web Views: | 1,011 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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