Photo By Staff Sgt. John Todd | Civil affairs team personnel train Kyrgyz State Border Service (SBS) personnel on medevac of injured personnel during a joint training mission in the CASAs June 15-19, 2026. The training focused on the utilization of the SKEDCO stretcher in rugged terrain and movement of personnel that were non-ambulatory. see less
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Training of personnel is fundamental to successful operations
Civil Affairs Teams (CAT) personnel are always in training mode for the next mission. Sometimes, however, those missions include imparting training to other entities that have the same type of mission set.
In July of 2026, CAT conducted a week-long joint training event with the Kyrgyz State Border Service (SBS) in Tash-Kumor region of Kyrgyzstan. The focus of the training was to integrate the SBS personnel into medical evacuation operations in austere environments, such as on a mountain. This requires a different methodology and CAT operators are accustomed to functioning in such conditions. In addition, survival techniques were taught that were suited to Kyrgyzstan's rugged and demanding terrain.
Working side-by-side in challenging mountain conditions, U.S. and Kyrgyz personnel built trust, mutual understanding, and interoperability, forming a foundation for an effective long-term security partnership. The exchange reflects the enduring U.S. commitment to supporting Kyrgyzstan as a capable and reliable security partner in Central Asia.
Beyond the training itself, U.S. and Kyrgyz leaders used the exchange as a roundtable for dialogue on shared security priorities and the future of the partnership. Kyrgyz SBS leadership expressed interest in expanding cooperation to include advanced mountaineering techniques, winter operations training, and additional tactical skill development. Their ability to operate effectively in mountainous and remote environments is a critical asset for Kyrgyzstan's national security, and this exchange provided the opportunity to further develop those capabilities alongside U.S. partners. These priorities align with U.S. security cooperation goals in the region and offer a clear roadmap for deepening the relationship in the months and years ahead.
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