Justified Accord 2025 Enhances U.S.-Tanzania Military Partnerships

Justified Accord 2025 concluded with U.S. and Tanzanian service members celebrating enduring partnerships built through rigorous training and cultural exchanges. The exercise highlighted mutual respect, shared learning, and lasting friendships, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in addressing regional security challenges. Future training days are anticipated to deepen this collaboration further.

Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) concluded on February 15, 2025, with service members from the Tanzania People’s Defense Force proclaiming their allegiance with the chant, “America and Tanzania forever.” This sentiment resonated throughout the week-long exercise, involving U.S. Army soldiers from the East Africa Response Force (EARF), U.S. Marines, the Nebraska National Guard, and members of the Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF).

The exercise culminated in a field training exercise (FTX) and a closing ceremony at the Msata Military Training Base in Msata, Tanzania. Despite the rigorous training schedule, participants from both nations reported a unique experience, characterized by strong interpersonal connections alongside military training.

U.S. Army Captain Omar Aybar, EARF commander, emphasized the relationship-based approach adopted during the exercise. He noted, “The sincere mutual respect between the two nations enabled every team to engage in cultural and tactical exchanges, ultimately contributing to the mission’s success.”

Captain Aybar also reflected on the significant cultural exchanges, highlighting that many servicemembers adapted quickly to TPDF customs. Evening gatherings where meals were shared featured cultural exchanges, including shared dance experiences, fostering long-lasting friendships.

This joint endeavor spurred collaborative learning about diverse weapon systems and tactical methods suitable for the East African terrain. Captain Aybar remarked that every squad was intentionally mixed with personnel from both nations to enhance team cohesion.

Following the FTX, a TPDF leader expressed a desire for extended training days in future exercises, believing the camaraderie established during JA25 will benefit both nations. A TPDF soldier shared that the exercise marked a career highpoint, underlining both the quality of training and the friendships forged.

During the closing ceremony, TPDF Major General Selemani Mzee, representing Chief of Defence Forces General Jacob Nkunda, highlighted the significance of the partnership and the primary goal of cultivating a collaborative military understanding to effectively tackle operational challenges.

Captain Aybar considered the bonds formed during the exercise among soldiers from both countries a source of considerable pride, stating, “They’re great human beings and great warriors.” This partnership reinforces the mission of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) in enhancing security and stability in the region through collaboration and training initiatives.

JA25 stands as USAFRICOM’s premier exercise in East Africa, aimed at improving multinational combat readiness and crisis response capabilities. Hosted by Kenya, Djibouti, and Tanzania, the exercise features scenarios developed to sharpen warfighting skills and enhance operational effectiveness in multinational military operations.

The Justified Accord 2025 exercise fostered significant military collaboration and cultural exchanges between U.S. and Tanzanian forces. The successful integration of teams and shared experiences not only enhanced tactical capabilities but also established enduring personal friendships. Moving forward, both nations are committed to further training opportunities to strengthen their partnership and military readiness.

Original Source: www.dvidshub.net