African Lion 24 Concludes with Strategic Success Across Four Nations

Article by Capt. Billy Lacroix

VICENZA, Italy — African Lion 24 (AL24), U.S. Africa Command’s premier, annual combined joint exercise conducted by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), concluded on May 31, 2024, in Morocco.

AL24 ran from April 19 to May 31 in Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. Over 8,100 participants from 27 nations and NATO contingents participated.

The exercise took place at various sites in Morocco, including the Southern Zone Headquarters in Agadir. The Moroccan Royal Armed Forces and U.S. troops engaged in live-fire exercises, combined arms training, and complex tactical operations, fostering robust military cooperation at every level. The Moroccan landscape provided a versatile training ground, simulating real-world scenarios and testing the capabilities of all participating forces.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of United States Africa Command, greets U.S. and Moroccan service members following a joint, combined live fire exercise with the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces during exercise African Lion in Tantan, Morocco, May 31, 2024. (U.S. Army photo by Avery Schneider)

“This exercise has grown over the years since 2004, not only in the number of multinational service members we train with but also in the scope of the training, which has expanded beyond just security,” said Gen. Michael Langley, commander of United States Africa Command.

Training and cooperation occurred across the country and in all military domains linking the full U.S. Joint/Total Force. It included a command post exercise with delegates from 17 participating nations, a special operations exercise, air and maritime exercises, a unique HIMARS rapid insertion from a U.S. Marine unit, and a Humanitarian Civic Assistance exercise that directly provided medical aid to nearly 10,000 civilians.

In Tunisia, infantrymen from the 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, Maryland National Guard; artillery forces from the 2nd Battalion, 258th Field Artillery, New York National Guard; and Marines from 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (3rd ANGLICO), Marine Corps Forces Reserve, worked alongside Tunisian forces, demonstrating enhanced interoperability.

The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) fires live rounds during an air-to-ground rehearsal exercise in Ben Ghilouf, Tunisia, May 09, 2024. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Lukas Sparks)

High mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) provided by the 4th Battalion, 133rd Field Artillery Regiment, Texas National Guard, repeatedly fired upon high-value targets.

U.S. Army Lt. Col Kendra T. Tippett, African Lion 2024 senior responsible officer, chief of plans and exercises (G6), with U.S Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), visits the explosive ordnance disposal range in Bizerte, Tunisia, May 5, 2024. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine T. Bustos Chaves)

“This marks the first time in African Lion’s history that HIMARS was used in Tunisia,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kendra Tippett, chief of plans and exercises (G6), SETAF-AF. “It’s a major testament to our partnership with the Tunisians and demonstrates our combined commitment to regional security.”

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Nicholas Jenkins, Sgt. 1st Class Jose Rowe Barrera and Staff Sgt. Justin Rambert, Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, Maryland National Guard, go over the simulation plan during their exercise with Tunisian Armed Forces at African Lion 2024 (AL24) in Bizerte, Tunisia, May 7, 2024. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Shawn Fogleman)

In Ghana, key activities included a multinational field training exercise, again led by the Maryland Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment; a joint combined staff training on civil affairs and information operations co-led by SETAF-AF and the U.S. Marines 4th Civil Affairs Group (4th CAG); and a complex staff exercise directed by the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade.

“Participating in African Lion 2024 has been an extraordinary experience,” said Alex Navarette, SETAF-AF lead exercise planner for the Ghana portion of AL24. “The collaboration and shared commitment between our U.S. and Ghanaian forces have not only enhanced our operational capabilities but also strengthened the bonds of partnership and mutual respect.”

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Becker Almarsumi, a linguist with the 439th Supply Chain Operations Squadron, translates the exercise plan to U.S. Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, Maryland National Guard, at African Lion 2024 (AL24) in Bizerte, Tunisia, May 7, 2024. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Shawn Fogleman)

During the two-week exercise in Senegal, numerous activities took place, including combined infantry tactics led by Maryland’s 1-175th Infantry, a comprehensive staff exercise orchestrated by the 2nd SFAB, and a medical exchange led by the U.S. Marine Forces Reserve. The exercise also provided an opportunity for local communities to engage with the visiting forces, helping strengthen civil-military relations.

The involvement of the Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA) [Koninklijke Landmacht] added another dimension to the training, enhancing the multinational participation in the exercise.

“African Lion 2024 offers an excellent training opportunity due to its diverse terrain, challenging climate, and continued potential for international collaboration,” noted Capt. Luc Laudy, commander, Delta Company, 44th Armored Infantry Battalion, RLNA. “The lessons learned and relationships forged here will undoubtedly contribute to regional stability and strengthen our preparedness for future challenges.”

African Lion 24 underscored the strategic importance of multinational exercises in building stronger defense partnerships and enhancing regional security. The diverse training environments and collaborative efforts across four nations provided invaluable experience for all participants, paving the way for future cooperation and joint operations.

“The exercise was a resounding success,” said Armed Forces of Senegal Col. Theodore Adrien Sarr, battalion commander, 3rd Infantry Battalion. “We’ve enhanced interoperability and cemented our role as leaders of strategic importance in the region.”

As the exercise concluded, participants reflected on the significant progress made and the lessons learned. The experience reinforced the importance of interoperability, mutual trust, and shared commitment to security and stability.

The closing ceremony, held at the Southern Zone Headquarters in Agadir, Morocco, celebrated the achievements of African Lion 24 and reaffirmed the commitment to ongoing cooperation and readiness.

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe & Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe.

For all photos, videos and articles throughout the exercise, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/AfricanLionEx

For more information on SETAF-AF events, please visit www.setaf-africa.army.mil