Joint US/SA military exercise

In partnership with the SA Defence Force (SANDF), US military personnel are in this country conducting a combined joint exercise that is designed to increase the ability of both forces to respond to humanitarian disasters and peace-keeping operations, according to the US Embassy in Pretoria. The exercise, Shared Accord 13, is scheduled for July 22 to August 7 in the Eastern Cape cities of Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown, and East London. Approximately 700 US military personnel are participating in the two-week long exercise. US Army Africa (USARAF) is conducting the exercise on behalf of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM). The US has brought experts in brigade operations, dismounted infantry tactics, airborne infantry tactics, civil affairs, medics, and maritime amphibious assault. US military personnel are working side by side with SA partners as service members from both nations teach and train each other to enhance knowledge and understanding of both nations’ capabilities. US military personnel have brought equipment to aid in the training, including the light medium tactical vehicle (LMTV), the high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV), commonly known as the Humvee, and a deployable headquarters. At the end of the exercise, all personnel and equipment will return to their home station.