Introduction

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) in collaboration with the United States Southern Command (US SOUTHCOM) will jointly host Exercise Tradewinds 2016 (Ex TW 16) phase two in the parishes of Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, St Ann, St James and Portland in Jamaica over the period 20 – 28 June 2016. Ex TW 16 is a multi-national maritime interdiction, ground security and interagency exercise facilitated and funded by the US SOUTHCOM.

Aim

The exercise is aimed at allowing the participating countries to conduct joint, combined and interagency training which focuses on increasing regional cooperation in countering illicit trafficking and builds their capacity to plan and execute complex multinational security operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations and conduct counter transnational organized crime.

Phases

Phase I, the Command Post Exercise (CPX) portion, was focused on practicing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. This phase was conducted from June 5^th to June 14^th 2016 and was hosted in Grenada. Phase II, the Field Training Exercise (FTX) portion, will focus on Countering Transnational Organized Crime (CTOC) in order to promote regional security cooperation. This phase will occur from June 20^th to June 28^th 2016 will be hosted in Jamaica.

Participants

Twenty (20) countries are expected to participate in Ex TW 16 with approximately one thousand and fifty-four (1,054) persons. The participating countries include:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Canada
• Dominica
• The Dominican Republic
• The Dutch Caribbean
• France
• Grenada (Phase I Host)
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Jamaica (Phase II Host)
• Mexico
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

Phase II – The Training Focus

The training focus/training tracks during Ex TW 16 will surround a common overarching scenario with the theme “A regional approach to countering Transnational Organized Crime”. Partner Nations from the region will participate in Ground and Maritime activities organized within six (6) Training Areas or Tracks namely:

1. Internal Security Operations (IS). This will focus on operations concerned with the assistance of military forces to the appropriate authority in the enforcement of civil law to secure the citizenry and will include public order and screening operations (checkpoints). The First Battalion the Jamaica Regiment (1 JR) will co-lead this training track with the US Marine Corps Forces South (MARFORSOUTH). Participating Forces will reside in Moneague Training Camp (MTC).

2. Counter-illicit Trafficking Operations (CIT). This will focus on operations concerned with interdiction of illicit activity on land and the littorals. It will include amphibious operations, rappelling and search techniques. Combat Support Battalion (Cbt Sp Bn) will co-lead this training track with the United Kingdom Royal Marines. Participating Forces will reside in Up Park Camp (UPC).

3. Advanced Small Arms Training (ASAT). This will focus on the general shooting skills of military personnel applied in different environments to improve accuracy and will be centered on reactive shooting. The Second Battalion the Jamaica Regiment (2 JR) will co-lead this training track with First Battalion the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (1 PPCLI). Participating Forces will reside in UPC.

4. Command and Control (C2). This will focus on the operational planning functions to be executed by the Notional Headquarters of a CARICOM Battalion Task Force (CBTF). The activities will include deliberate and rapid response planning as well as the command and control of ongoing operations. Headquarters Jamaica Defence Force (Joint Information and Operation Centre) will co-lead this training track with US MARFORSOUTH with mentorship provided by the Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) and the US Army National Guard (US ARNG) District of Columbia. Participating Forces will reside in UPC.

5. Dive. This will focus on dive operations in general support to ships to include: Search and Recovery, Mass Rescue Operations, Hull and Pier Clearance and Dive Equipment Maintenance. Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard (JDF CG) will co-lead this training track with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and US Coast Guard (USCG). Participating Forces will reside in Discovery Bay, St Ann.

6. Cutter. This will focus on ship/boat operations surrounding countering illicit trafficking activities and will include Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection (ATFP) and Mass Rescue Operations. JDF CG will co-lead this training track with the RCN and USCG with participating vessels from US, UK, Canada, France, Mexico and other CARICOM nations. At least ten (10) Cutter Class Vessels and two (2) Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Vessels are expected to be made available.

The Endstate

The strong relationships that are forged during TRADEWINDS through the exchange of knowledge and expertise will improve regional security by increasing regional cooperation throughout the Caribbean.