SOCSOUTH

U.S. Special Operations Forces led mission briefing and direct-action training with members of the Policía Nacional de Panamá's Counterterrorism Special Forces Unit (UFEC) and Tactical Anti-Drug Operations Unit (UTOA), Colombia's Comando Conjunto de Operaciones Especiales (CCOES), and the Ecuadorian Marine Corps' Jaramijó Special Operations Battalion (BIMJAR) during the Force Integration Training phase of PANAMAX 2026 in Colón Province, Panama, Aug. 2, 2026. The multinational force then executed a simulated assault, integrating tactics, techniques and procedures while operating as a combined special operations team.

PANAMAX 2026 brings together defense and public security forces from 19 participating nations to strengthen interoperability, build cooperative partnerships, and demonstrate their collective capacity to respond to regional threats and protect critical waterways through coalition and all-domain scenarios.

U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) Raiders trained alongside members of Argentina’s special operations forces, the Dominican Republic Navy’s Amphibious Command, and Panama’s Institutional Protection Service Special Counterterrorism Group (GEAT) during the Force Integration Training phase of PANAMAX 2026 in Colón Province, Panama, Aug. 2, 2026. The multinational force rehearsed security, movement, and simulated raid procedures while integrating tactics, techniques, and procedures ahead of coalition training scenarios.

PANAMAX 2026 brings together defense and public security forces from 19 participating nations to strengthen interoperability, build cooperative partnerships, and demonstrate their collective capacity to respond to regional threats and protect critical waterways through coalition and all-domain scenarios.

U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers led a small-unit tactics class with members of the Peruvian Navy’s Special Operations Force (FOE) and the Ecuadorian Marine Corps’ Grupo de Acción Rápida de la Infantería de Marina (GAHRIM) during the Force Integration Training phase of PANAMAX 2026 in Panamá Oeste Province, Panama, Aug. 1, 2026.

The training integrated multinational special operations forces ahead of coalition scenario-based events and reinforced shared tactics, techniques and procedures.

PANAMAX 2026 brings together defense and public security forces from 19 participating nations to strengthen interoperability, build cooperative partnerships, and demonstrate their collective capacity to respond to regional threats and protect critical waterways through coalition and all-domain scenarios.



United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)
Armada del Ecuador
Fuerzas Armadas del Ecuador
U.S. Army Special Operations Command
Embajada de Estados Unidos en Panamá
U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command (USAWHC)
Comando Conjunto de las Fuerzas Armadas del Perú

Nations of : Standing together for regional security
Building trust, deepening relationships, and working together are essential for regional military and security forces to ensure stability in the Western Hemisphere and combat the threat of narco-terrorism. The countries training together during exercise PANAMAX share a united resolve to detect, disrupt, and defeat existing and emerging threats in our hemisphere.

U.S. Department of War | Secretary of War Pete Hegseth | The Joint Staff | U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command (USAWHC) | Embajada de Estados Unidos en Panamá

🎂Happy birthday SOCSOUTH!

For the past 40 years, Special Operations Command South has played a pivotal role in safeguarding regional security, fostering stability, and building enduring partnerships throughout the Southern Hemisphere. Showcasing the unwavering dedication and unparalleled expertise that consistently exemplify the lethality and resolve necessary for effective deterrence and mission success.

We are thankful for all you do to keep the tip of the spear sharp. ♠️

📍🇪🇨

The threat of cartels and illicit networks requires an elite, unified response. To safeguard citizens, economies, and stability, Ecuadorian Marines assigned to Batallón de Infantería de Marina Jaramijó (BIMJAR) and U.S. Army Green Berets from the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) conducted a high-intensity, five-week Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) in Manta, Ecuador in May 2026.

Together, these enduring relationships strengthen interoperability, advance readiness, and reinforce regional security.

📷: U.S. Army photos by 1st Lt. Sarah B. Morgan

📍 USA 🇺🇸

Ecuador remains a vital partner in the fight against narco-terrorism:
Last week, military personnel from graduated from an eight-week Partner Nation International Operators Course. This tactical training enhances the capacity of Americas Counter Cartel Coalition partners to counter the narco-terrorist threat in the Western Hemisphere.

U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)
United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
Ejército Ecuatoriano
Fuerzas Armadas del Ecuador
Armada del Ecuador
U.S. Embassy Ecuador
The 7th Special Forces Group

(U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Marcus Oliver)

In the aftermath of the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela, U.S. Special Operations Forces deployed rapid response elements to support U.S. Embassy-led disaster assistance efforts.

Working alongside interagency partners, USSOF personnel provided agile and sustained support to deliver critical aid to affected communities when they needed it most.

HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. — Rear Adm. Brian H. Bennett assumed command of Special Operations Command South from Rear Adm. Mark A. Schafer during a change of command ceremony, Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Adm. Frank M. Bradley, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, presided over the ceremony. Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, was also in attendance and provided remarks.

“The ceremony here is a change of command, but the truth is it’s more about continuity of command than it is about change,” Adm. Bradley said. “No commander does anything by himself or herself. It takes a strong team underpinnings and an incredible community to wrap themselves around those families.”

In his remarks, Gen. Donovan praised SOCSOUTH’s relentless operational tempo, highlighting numerous successful deployments and the impact of personnel operating throughout the theater.

“We can take the fight to the enemy now, so those enemies don’t end up on the streets of America,” Gen. Donovan said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the leadership turned over today, the continuity, and most of all, this SOCSOUTH team.”

During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Schafer was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal in recognition of his service. He departs SOCSOUTH for Joint Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

“You strengthen the proud legacy of Special Operations Command South for those who will follow, and I leave with a grateful heart,” Rear Adm. Schafer said. “Thank you for allowing us to serve alongside you.”

Rear Adm. Bennett comes to SOCSOUTH from the Joint Staff, where he previously served as the deputy director for special operations.

“The challenges before us are complex, but so are the opportunities,” Rear Adm. Bennett said. “Together with our teammates, our interagency partners, and allies, we will remain ready, agile, lethal, and committed to advancing our nation’s interests.”

As the commander of SOCSOUTH, Rear Adm. Bennett will oversee all U.S. special operations activities across the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, directly supporting SOUTHCOM’s regional objectives.