Port of Spain February 3, 2014: The first Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) exercise carded for 2014 in Trinidad and Tobago between the U.S. Southern Command and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) began on January 5, 2014. The second and more active phase of the training exercise will begin on February 4, 2014. 

The sharing of expertise between the two military bodies will this time focus on air operations during a two-week period and will include the use of U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopters.  Over 50 members of the Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) will participate in the exercise. 

The training will take place throughout Trinidad and Tobago and will include exercises in both urban and rural areas.

The JCET not only demonstrates the strong partnership between the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago based on mutual respect and shared interests in the region, but is of significant benefit to the participants who share expertise and ideas. The JCET also enables us as partner nations to increase our mutual capacity to conduct security operations.

The U.S. has carried out similar training exercises and humanitarian assistance work in other countries in the region.