The small-scale special operations exercise “SILVER FALCON SOFEX” was  jointly organized by the National Guard and the US Armed Forces on February 11-17, 2023. This exercise was organized within the framework of the wider exercise “SILVER FALCON – 2023” and took place with the participation of personnel and assets of the Special Forces Command and the US European Command (USEUCOM).

The broader purpose of the exercise was the joint training of personnel in dealing with emergencies and especially those related to crisis management and civilian evacuation support operations. In particular, the “SILVER FALCON SOFEX – 2023” scenario included various types of individual and group combat firing, basic instructions of patrol operations and tactical movements of units in various scenarios, as well as personnel training in operations aiming to clear a fortified location.

Part of the exercise was attended by the Chief of the National Guard, Lt. Gen. Dimokritos Zervakis, and USEUCOM’s Director of Training and Evaluation, Major General Jessica Meyeraan. Upon exercise completion, the Chief congratulated the participating units on the excellent planning and conduct of the exercise, pointing out the importance of the cooperation of the two countries in the fields of defence, security and crisis management.

The exercise, which is part of the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Program between the Republic of Cyprus and the USA, is considered to be particularly beneficial, as it provides the opportunity for the Special Operations personnel of the National Guard to train together with corresponding personnel of the US Special Forces, thus promoting interoperability and highlighting the excellent relations between the Armed Forces of the two countries.

On the sidelines of the exercise, the Chief of the National Guard and Major General Meyeraan visited the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC), where they had a private meeting, during which the actions of 2022 were reviewed and the actions included in the Bilateral Defence Cooperation Program for the current year were analyzed. Developments in the Eastern Mediterranean region and beyond were also discussed, along with issues of mutual interest.

Source: National Guard General Staff (GEEF)

Also read: GEEF | Signing of Bilateral Defence Cooperation Program with the USA