KINGSTON, Jamaica – The District of Columbia Army National Guard joined forces with elite U.S. and Canadian Special Operations Forces for a subject matter expert exchange in Jamaica.
The collaboration with SOF counterparts from the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, and Trinidad and Tobago marked a significant milestone in international military cooperation amid Tropical Dagger, an annual event orchestrated by Canada in partnership with the Jamaica Defense Force focusing on the Jamaican SOF element.
The D.C. National Guard’s Lt. Col. Tyson Mele, Maj. Bill Seskey, Capt. Michael Humphrise and Sgt. 1st Class Jurgen Soekhoe provided instruction on U.S. troop-leading procedures and operations orders. Despite geographical and organizational differences, they shared a common framework of tactical techniques and procedures.
The exchange’s success Feb. 16-22 extended beyond the classroom to field exercises where the Soldiers forged camaraderie.
The Jamaicans’ hospitality and professionalism were key to the exchange’s success and included cultural immersion, allowing the visiting Soldiers to experience local customs and traditions.
The participants plan to cultivate their new partnerships with future joint exercises and SMEEs to enhance interoperability and collective security in the region.
The success of Tropical Dagger 2024 serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and cooperation among like-minded nations.
The SOF SMEE was not merely a training exercise but a testament to the strength of international partnerships in fostering peace and security. As the sun set on Tropical Dagger 2024, it illuminated the path forward, where collaboration and cooperation remain the cornerstone of our collective defense.
By MAJ Matthew Dewaegeneer, District of Columbia National Guard