Medical readiness planning with Senegal: SETAF-AF enhances task force capabilities

VICENZA, Italy - U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) is leading preparations for an upcoming Medical Readiness Exercise in Senegal scheduled for April 2026. Coordinated with the Vermont National Guard and the Armed Forces of Senegal, MEDREX Senegal 2026 is designed to sharpen crisis response capabilities across West Africa.

Medical readiness is a critical component of military operations, especially in regions where crises can emerge suddenly and require rapid intervention. This exercise will focus on skills that directly translate to saving lives in austere and unpredictable environments.

"The planning process ensures mission requirements are in place before arrival," said U.S. Army Capt. Jeffrey Sparda, medical operations officer assigned to the Surgeon Directorate, SETAF-AF. "We've worked with our Senegalese partners before, and we share a common goal: to successfully treat real-world patients while gaining valuable experience in a mobilized setting."

Since 2008, the Vermont National Guard and Senegal have partnered through the State Partnership Program, fostering a series of engagements aimed at strengthening warfighting capabilities. Building on that foundation, the two-week MEDREX exercise simulates the pressures of combat and humanitarian emergencies, enhancing joint task force operations.

Training alongside Senegalese medical teams allows U.S. personnel to build confidence in rapid, decisive responses while cultivating trust and coordination between multinational partners.

"Confronting complex, real-world medical emergencies ensures we gain the operational skills required for readiness," Sparda said.

Vermont initially led planning for MEDREX until U.S. Africa Command assumed sponsorship. Since then, SETAF-AF's surgeon cell has partnered closely with Vermont and Senegalese planners to execute the mission.

Senegal previously hosted African Lion, AFRICOM's largest exercise in Africa, where U.S. and Senegalese forces tested joint task force operations. During African Lion 2025, Senegalese medics practiced tactical field care in austere clinical settings under guidance from U.S. Navy and Air Force instructors, reinforcing core medical skills and emphasizing partner-led application.

Readiness efforts extend beyond medical operations. SETAF-AF's counter-improvised explosive device fusion cell has collaborated with Senegalese explosive ordnance disposal teams to improve detection, neutralization and response capabilities. Joint training enhances technical proficiency, shared tactics and the ability to operate effectively in complex environments.

MEDREX supports strategic and operational objectives in the AFRICOM area of responsibility by ensuring multinational forces are prepared to save lives during crises. EOD training complements this effort by reducing threats before they materialize.

"Readiness comes from developing leaders who can carry the torch within their own ranks," said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Beau Martindale, humanitarian mine action noncommissioned officer in charge, C-IED Fusion Cell, SETAF-AF.

The ongoing MEDREX planning reflects a shared commitment between the U.S. and its partners to enhance multinational readiness for crisis and disaster response operations whenever and wherever needed.

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

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