guides for rectifying the united joint combined exchange training program
The United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) plays a crucial role in training mission-essential tasks, both domestically and abroad. According to the law, SOCOM can authorise payment for the expenses of training special operations forces, as well as for training with allied foreign forces.
In the Indo-Pacific region, SOCOM conducts more Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) exercises than in any other single region, with 77 such exercises taking place in 2018. However, SOCOM does not typically disclose the annual number of JCETs conducted per region.
The Pacific Deterrence Initiative, a platform-focused programme, primarily funds research, development, and procurement of surface ships, aircrafts, and missiles for the Navy. There is no mention of SOF in this initiative.
The inclusion of non-SOF servicemembers in JCETs is considered an exception, and it is subject to approval from the Title 10 chain of command and the concurrence of the theater special operations command. This integration can be critical to the training mission, and the expense of deploying these servicemembers would be in accordance with the statute.
Meanwhile, the European Deterrence Initiative supports US SOF training and engagement with regional partners. This includes participation in larger conventional force exercises and efforts to build partner capacity.
As the training requirements for SOF evolve to prepare for twenty-first-century warfare, SOCOM should ensure that JCET guidance remains flexible to accommodate the needs of today's units of action. However, it is essential to remember that the augmentation of non-SOF elements in JCETs should be a rare occurrence.
Congressional stakeholders, in consultation with SOCOM, should consider conducting a study to determine if the JCET program continues to meet SOF training requirements, if US SOF training is the appropriate prioritisation for these missions, and how the JCET program complements other forms of SOF engagement with foreign partners.
The location of the JCET exercise in 2022 has not been specified in the provided search results. JCS exercises, under different statutory authorities, allow the US military to train and engage with partner nation forces, providing indispensable training opportunities for SOF small-unit commanders to tailor their training to meet real-world requirements, while building relationships with foreign partners.
