04.07.2024
Story by Maj. Matthew Dewaegeneer
Members of the District of Columbia Army National Guard joined elite U.S. and Canadian Special Forces for a week-long Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) in Kingston, Jamaica, from February 16 to 22, 2024. The event, part of the annual Tropical Dagger exercise, facilitated a unique training and partnership opportunity with Special Operations Forces from the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, and Trinidad and Tobago.
During the SMEE, participants focused on exchanging expertise and best practices, particularly in U.S. troop leading procedures (TLP) and operations orders (OPORDS). The instructors from the D.C. National Guard, including Lt. Col. Tyson Mele, Maj. Bill Seskey, Capt. Michael Humphrise, and Sgt. 1st Class Jurgen Soekhoe, shared their knowledge, emphasizing the importance of tactical techniques and procedures (TTPs). The sessions revealed a common foundation among the participating forces, highlighting minor differences in their approaches.
Field exercises and cultural exchanges were key aspects of the event, fostering camaraderie and mutual respect among the soldiers. These interactions, coupled with the hospitality of the Jamaican hosts, enriched the experience, allowing participants to gain insights into each other’s cultures and traditions. The successful collaboration underscored the importance of international military cooperation, with a focus on enhancing interoperability and collective security in the region.
The SOF SMEE in Kingston was more than a training event; it was a demonstration of the enduring partnerships that strengthen peace and security. The positive outcomes of Tropical Dagger 2024 reflect a commitment to continued cooperation, paving the way for future joint exercises and exchanges.
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