Ammon News - Jordanian and U.S. military and civilian personnel conducted a successful whole-of-government interagency exercise this week to build upon a well-established strong and enduring relationship, improve interoperability between the two nations, and enhance their joint ability to respond to crises. Exercise Invincible Sentry 2022 is designed to validate bilateral crisis-response planning and strengthen staff proficiency to protect and serve their populations, using simulated scenarios to a transnational security threat.

“Training exercises such as Invincible Sentry showcase the commitment of U.S. and Jordanian military forces to work together to prepare and respond to real-world threats.,” noted U.S. Ambassador to Jordan Henry T. Wooster. He added, “Joint exercises like this benefit the Jordanian and American military and civilian agencies, strengthen our partnership, and provide an opportunity for both of us to demonstrate our advanced capabilities in the region.” Director of Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) Military Information Directorate, Col. Mustafa Hiyari said “the exercise provides a qualitative opportunity for joint action, to respond to a crisis, to achieve our common goals for improving regional security and maintaining stability.” He added, “to do so by conducting such an exercise on operational integration between the Jordanian Armed Forces – Arab Army, relevant government agencies, and our partners from the friendly American side.”

Scenarios occurred at military training areas and other locations throughout Jordan, without impact to the local populace. The exercise also included a headquarters element participating at U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida.

Exercise Invincible Sentry is a unique opportunity to improve operational effectiveness when working in unfamiliar environments and enhance interoperability between nations. Both Jordan and U.S. military forces are responsible for maintaining security, defending their respective national interests, and protecting citizens. Respective civilian agencies in both countries deliver social services, public affairs communications, and disaster response capabilities to their populations. Combined interagency training such as Invincible Sentry is an ideal way to prepare partner forces and agencies to operate together when the need arises.

Jordan and the United States first established a diplomatic relationship in 1949, and have built a strong relationship as key allies and essential strategic partners on a range of shared concerns and challenges throughout the region.  This close cooperation on security issues is unparalleled in the Arab world and has helped keep Jordanians and Americans safer. When King Abdullah visited the White House last year as the first Arab leader invited by the Biden Administration, President Biden commended Jordan’s leadership in advancing peace and stability in the region.

The U.S. military participates in more than 80 exercises with partner nations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility each year. Exercises in the region are designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, promote regional security, and improve interoperability with partner nations. In addition to regular bilateral joint exercises, Jordan and the United States jointly host 26 partner nations and deliver approximately 70 training events each year to build regional capacity.