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11 March 2024

Starting from Beginning: Strengthening of Strategic Foreign Partnerships from Initial Acquisition Training, Education

Steve Morningstar & John F. Kennedy 

This is a three-part series elaborating on U.S. Special Operations Command’s line of effort to expand and reinforce generational relationships with allies and partners at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.

"Your responsibilities may involve the command of more traditional forces, but in less traditional roles,” said President John F. Kennedy during a speech to West Point Class of 1962. “Men risking their lives, not as combatants, but as instructors or advisors, or as symbols of our nation's commitments."

Kennedy’s speech implies soft skills necessary for his view of a new way of engaging with foreign partners. It requires an in-depth understanding of culture, language, customs, and a willingness to apply the knowledge while immersed in the environment.

“Perhaps the greatest benefit of training here is the enduring interpersonal and professional relationships,” said Brig. Gen. Guillaume "Will" Beaurpere, commanding general of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School during ceremony with the International Military Student Office.

The Special Warfare Center and School continually supports foreign partner immersion and embedding as part of initial acquisition training and education by providing language skills and cultural education for Army Special Operations Forces.

Beaurpere added that SWCS has approximately 40 international military students and international exchange officers representing 23 countries such as Germany, Canada, and Switzerland, among others enrolled at any given time in various courses throughout the SWCS campuses.

Allied partners send top officers and service members to receive professional training and education through SWCS, such as attending the Joint Special Operations Master of Arts Program, Army Special Operations Forces qualification courses, and liaison officers. Advanced skills training provides quality training to hone skills, including Military Freefall Jumpmaster Course in Yuma, Arizona.

Through this series, SWCS highlights intercultural exchanges in the training and education space through a variety of programs, events, and exercises. This includes the International Military Student Office and the Language, Regional Education, and Culture program under the 2nd Special Warfare Training Group. These lay the foundation of international partnerships by providing a world-class education in special operations and a first-rate intercultural experience.

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