In a significant stride toward regional stability, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) deployed its Civil Affairs Team to Tunisia for a multi-phase training initiative aimed at enhancing the Tunisian Armed Forces’ (TuAF) capacity in civil-military operations.
Held at El Aouina Air Base and other strategic locations, the training focused on real-world scenarios—from simulated civil engagements to crisis response planning—designed to equip TuAF personnel with tools to address extremist threats, border vulnerabilities, and humanitarian coordination.
The initiative included the inaugural Joint Operations Command Course (JOC-C), which bridged theoretical frameworks with practical execution. Tunisian officers collaborated with U.S. civil affairs specialists to simulate peacekeeping missions, community mediation, and operational planning in complex environments.
“This partnership is about more than training—it’s about empowering Tunisia to lead in regional security and peacekeeping,” said Capt. Cole Gonchar, a civil affairs officer with SETAF-AF. “We’re building capabilities that extend beyond borders.”
The program also emphasized cultural exchange and rapport-building, laying the groundwork for long-term cooperation. By integrating civil considerations into military strategy, Tunisia is positioning itself as a proactive force in countering violent extremism and promoting regional resilience.
This collaboration aligns with Tunisia’s national priorities and U.S. Africa Command’s broader goals of fostering capable, self-reliant security partners across the continent.