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North Carolina National Guard Soldiers are working alongside Botswana Defence Force personnel during Southern Accord 2026, strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two forces through specialized training and professional exchange. Held this year from August 10-15, 2026, Southern Accord is U.S. Africa Command’s primary exercise in Southern Africa, designed to strengthen the security capabilities and readiness of the U.S., African nations, and global allies.
North Carolina’s partnership with Botswana began in 2008 through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. The NCNG-Botswana partnership specifically identifies Special Forces development as one of its core areas.
“Throughout Southern Accord 2026, North Carolina National Guard Special Forces has worked alongside the Botswana Defence Force on joint force planning, with a focus on integrating BDF planners into the Joint Planning Process,” said Sgt. Maj. Seth Vallet, Special Forces G3, M-day Sergeant Major. “The goal has been to strengthen their ability to understand and apply the process while also learning how the BDF approaches planning and operations. We also had the opportunity to visit their base and discuss future engagement, including the possibility of North Carolina Special Forces teams returning to Botswana for small unit exchanges and more tactical level training.”
Engineering is part of the broader NCNG, BDF State Partner Program relationship. NCNG engineers have worked with Botswana Defence Force engineers on both hands-on infrastructure projects and operational planning, including water and sewer improvements during Upward Minuteman 2019 and exercise planning during Southern Accord 2024.
“Our engagement was in conjunction with Southern Accord 2026. Our goal was to teach and refresh Combat Engineer operations specifically focused on the Combined Arms Breach. We were able to quickly synchronize with the BDF,” said Maj. Nathan Barnes, Southern Accord Engineer Enclave. “This was due in part to them allowing us to work with 13 of their experienced officers, including the Deputy Commander of the BDF Engineer Corps.”
The engagement builds on a relationship between the North Carolina National Guard and BDF that dates to 2008 through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program. Over the years, the partnership has provided opportunities for both forces to train together, exchange knowledge, and build professional relationships.
“The value added from this exchange sets the stage for further training iterations,” said Barnes. “We plan to move this from tabletop to on the ground with both North Carolina Army National Guard and Botswana Defence Force engineers.”
For the North Carolina Guard Soldiers participating in Southern Accord 2026, the exercise demonstrates the value of working side by side with partner forces. The NCNG’s partnership with the BDF dates to 2008 and has supported years of joint training and exchanges, including Special Forces and engineer engagements during previous Southern Accord exercises.
“One of the biggest things we’ve seen this week is the professionalism and willingness of the BDF personnel to learn, contribute, and share their own experiences. This isn’t a one-way exchange; we learn from each other,” said Vallet. “Working side by side through the planning process gives us a better understanding of how each force operates and builds relationships that can carry forward into future engagements.”
| Date Taken: | 08.12.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 08.15.2026 09:33 |
| Story ID: | 572469 |
| Location: | GABORONE, BW |
| Web Views: | 16 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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