Story by Lt. Col. Brett Walker

Throughout April, Camp Shelby, Mississippi, served as the epicenter for an extensive training operation known as Southern Strike 2024, involving around 800 participants from U.S. Special Forces and allied nations. This rigorous training spanned from April 7 to April 26 and focused on full-spectrum irregular warfare. Key participants included the 20th Special Forces Group, the 353rd Civil Affairs Command, and the 2nd Psychological Operations Group, among others from the Air Force and Marine Corps.

The highlight of this nearly month-long training was a detailed simulation of the defense and evacuation of a U.S. embassy, using advanced battlefield simulation effects like pyrotechnics and simunitions, complemented by civilian role players to enhance realism. The exercise, hosted by the Mississippi National Guard, aimed at improving combat readiness, fostering international cooperation, and enhancing interoperability among the forces.

Major General Barry Blanchard noted the evolution of Southern Strike from a joint to an international training platform, emphasizing its role in enhancing global military collaboration. Exercise Director Colonel Christopher Cooksey highlighted the event’s success in demonstrating the seamless integration of American and foreign special forces, preparing them for potential large-scale combat scenarios through complex, scenario-based training.

The training also featured sophisticated elements such as internet simulations and extensive use of role players, evolving from traditional training setups to more expansive warfare scenarios. This year’s Southern Strike also allowed special forces to work closely with Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations units, enhancing their capability to operate in multifaceted environments that combine kinetic and non-kinetic elements.

Southern Strike 2024 not only served as a tactical exercise but also as a strategic preparation ground, integrating various military capabilities to better prepare for contemporary global threats. This training underscores the importance of adapting to modern warfare’s demands, where civil-military cooperation and information operations are as crucial as direct combat actions.

This story was first published on DVIDS, and can be found here.