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Defense News: Six New York Army National Guard Soldiers Receive French Medal for Actions in Iraq

Source: United States Army

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Six New York Army National Guard Soldiers who helped rescue 34 French special forces during an August 2023 firefight in Iraq received the French equivalent of the Bronze Star during a Feb. 22 ceremony at Army Aviation Support Facility 2.

The Soldiers, assigned to B Company of the 3rd Battalion, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion, were presented with the French National Defense Gold Medal with Bronze Star during the ceremony in Rochester.

The aviation Soldiers were honored for providing rapid aerial support to French special operations forces who were pinned down under enemy fire near Hawija, Iraq, on the night of Aug. 28 and 29, 2023. The French unit was conducting a mission against ISIS terrorists.

Maj. Gen. Michel Natali, the New York National Guard’s assistant adjutant general, Army, who presented the French medals, praised the Soldiers for their quick response in loading up and moving a French quick reaction force of 30 troops into the fight.

“We’re very proud of what they’ve done as aviators, but I’d say more importantly, I’m very proud of them being New York National Guard Soldiers,” Natali said after the ceremony.

“The operation they were involved in happened in the dark of night,” he told reporters.

“The French government did not have to recognize our Soldiers, but they went that extra mile to identify our Soldiers who were working that evening to keep their soldiers safe. We’re very appreciative of what the French government has done in recognizing our troops,” Natali said.

The medals were authorized by French General Thierry Burkhard, then France’s Chief of National Defense Staff, in March 2024.

At the time of the mission, the New York Army National Guard aviation crews were on standby at Erbil Air Base as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the multinational effort to counter the Islamic State group terrorist operations in the region.

When the approximately 35 French Special Forces troops took casualties and requested reinforcement and extraction, two CH-47F Chinook helicopters crewed by the Rochester-based B Company launched in support.

Within 30 minutes, the aircrews loaded about 30 French commandos to relieve them and flew nearly 70 miles to the objective area, then stayed nearby, ready to provide follow-on support.

Retired New York Army Guard Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Taylor, a Blasdell resident, formerly assigned to Bravo Company, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion, is pinned with a French medal by Maj. Gen. Michel Natali, the assistant adjutant general, Army, during a ceremony in Rochester, New York, Feb. 22, 2026. Six New York Army National Guard Soldiers who came to the aid of French special operations forces during an Aug. 28–29, 2023, mission in northern Iraq were awarded the French National Defense Gold Medal with Bronze Star by Natali. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jean Sanon) VIEW ORIGINAL
New York Army Guard Staff Sgt. Samuel Sacco, a Lockport resident assigned to Bravo Company, 126th General Support Aviation Battalion, is pinned with the French Medal by Maj. Gen. Michel Natali, the assistant adjutant general, Army, during a ceremony in Rochester, New York, Feb. 22, 2026. Six New York Army National Guard Soldiers who came to the aid of French special operations forces during an Aug. 28–29, 2023, mission in northern Iraq were awarded the French National Defense Gold Medal with Bronze Star by Natali. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jean Sanon) VIEW ORIGINAL

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Scott, a Rochester resident who served as air mission commander during the operation, said uncertainty upon arrival created immediate challenges.

“The biggest challenge was not knowing the situation on the ground or what support we had until we got on station,” said Scott, who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2002.

He added that once they made radio contact and confirmed their location, they adjusted the grid, coordinated with the other aircraft and their crews and identified the support available to them.

Scott said the crew’s preparation and cohesion were critical to the mission’s success.

“I’m most proud of the way the crew came together,” he said. “They had the aircraft ready to go.”

“While I was receiving the mission, the crew was already preparing the aircraft,” Scott said.

Once Scott briefed them, they conducted a short planning session on the way and were ready to execute.

Sgt. Jedediah Estrada, a Horseheads resident who served as a door gunner during the mission, said the recognition carries lasting personal meaning.

“Afterward, I read the French press release about the death of Sgt. Nicolas Mazier, [the] paratrooper with the French commandos who was killed in combat,” Estrada said. “I’ve remembered him ever since.”

“Being honored by the French government is a way for me to continue honoring his legacy — not just what our unit was able to do, but what we accomplished together with our partner force,” Estrada said.

“It really brings together why we were there and what we were working to defeat,” he added.

Also recognized during the ceremony were:

  • Chief Warrant Officer 3 Aaron Taylor of Blasdell, New York, who is now retired but has served in the New York National Guard since 2009.
  • Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jared Twigg of Rochester, who joined the New York Army National Guard in 2007.
  • Staff Sgt. Samuel Sacco of Lockport, New York, who enlisted in the Army Guard in 2004, served until 2012, and then reenlisted in 2019.
  • Sgt. Zachary Albright of Elba, New York, who enlisted in the New York Army Guard in 2022. Albright is attending a military school and was unable to attend the ceremony.

The French National Defense Medal, known as the Médaille de la Défense nationale, was established April 21, 1982, by then French Minister of Defense Charles Hernu to recognize honorable and meritorious service in support of France’s national defense.

The medal is awarded in three grades, bronze, silver and gold, reflecting increasing levels of distinguished service. The gold grade recognizes particularly distinguished contributions to national defense.

When accompanied by a bronze star device, the medal signifies the recipient was officially recognized at the regimental or brigade level for notable operational service during multinational missions.

The decoration may be awarded to both French service members and allied military personnel and serves as a symbol of professional excellence and international military cooperation.

Detachment 1 of B Company operates seven CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2 at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.

The unit falls under the 42nd Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade’s 642nd Aviation Support Battalion and has conducted numerous deployments overseas and disaster response operations at home.

Related Links

The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard

The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard

The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard

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Justice Department Files Suit Against University of California for Antisemitic Hostile Work Environment

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Today, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division filed suit against the University of California for engaging in a hostile work environment against Jewish and Israeli faculty and staff at its University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) campus, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended.

After the Hamas-led massacre in Israel on October 7, 2023, antisemitic acts pervaded UCLA. The suit alleges the University engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination in violation of Title VII against Jewish and Israeli employees at UCLA by failing to prevent and correct discriminatory and harassing conduct. The suit further alleges the University negligently permitted a hostile work environment against two charging parties and other aggrieved Jewish and Israeli employees.

In 2024, the University allowed antisemitic harassment to continue unabated for days in front of its iconic Royce Hall: among other acts, Jews were not permitted on portions of the main quad, Jewish professors were assaulted, and swastikas were graffitied on University buildings. The University has ignored, and continues to ignore, gross and repeated violations of viewpoint-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions involving these and other actions directed against Jewish and Israeli employees. Jewish and Israeli faculty have been physically threatened, had their classrooms disrupted, and had their workplaces papered with disturbing images. Jewish professors have been, and continue to be, subjected to ostracism and harassment by their colleagues and students, while their colleagues and supervisors not only have failed to report those acts as required but have even participated in them. Numerous Jewish and Israeli employees have been forced to take leave, work from home, and even leave their jobs to avoid the hostile work environment.

“Based on our investigation, UCLA administrators allegedly allowed virulent anti-Semitism to flourish on campus, harming students and staff alike,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s lawsuit underscores that this Department of Justice stands strong against hate and anti-Semitism in all its vile forms.”

“The litany of vile acts of antisemitism that allegedly took place, and continue to take place, at UCLA are, if found to be true, a mark of shame against the University of California,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will ensure that UCLA maintains an environment for its employees free from antisemitic harassment.”

“UCLA failed to live up to its systemwide commitment to diversity and equal opportunity when it stood by as Jewish employees were subjected to harassment,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California. “The federal government has an obligation to step in and ensure a discrimination-free environment at our universities.”

The lawsuit stems from a Commissioner’s Charge filed by then-Commissioner Andrea Lucas of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in June 2024. The EEOC was instrumental in investigating the allegations of harassment at UCLA and in identifying the University’s poor complaint system. “The EEOC is committed to eradicating antisemitism at work,” said EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas. “If a University will not investigate and remedy repeated allegations of antisemitism against its employees, the EEOC will.”

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Member of Transnational Fraud Network Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy that Stole Millions from American Consumers

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

A Florida man was sentenced to six years in prison yesterday for his participation in a scheme to steal millions of dollars from American consumers’ bank accounts.

“This sentence holds accountable yet another member of a transnational criminal network that stole millions of dollars from unsuspecting Americans across the country,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These schemes are designed to be difficult to detect – spanning multiple jurisdictions and relying on layers of conspirators to obscure their operations – making them especially harmful to victims who often do not realize they have been targeted until it is too late. With 22 defendants charged in four districts, this prosecution reflects the Criminal Division’s commitment to dismantle every layer of criminal enterprises that prey on Americans, no matter how far their operations reach.”

“Global criminal groups use U.S.-based individuals to exploit our nation’s banking system and launder money stolen from innocent victims,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “I applaud our law enforcement partners for helping to bring this criminal to justice. We must and shall be as relentless in using every legal tool available to punish these individuals.”

“Despite hiding their actions behind fake companies, these suspects will pay for their abuse of people’s information and the banking system,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Criminal Investigations Group. “By exploiting victims from the payday loan list, these criminals took what little was left from people already struggling to make ends meet. The United States Postal Inspection Service will continue to relentlessly pursue criminals who exploit this country’s hardworking citizens and the U.S. Mail for unlawful purposes.”

According to court documents, Michael Young, 44, of Hollywood, Florida, was part of a criminal enterprise responsible for stealing millions of dollars from the bank accounts of unknowing consumers across the United States. The enterprise obtained “lead lists” that contained victims’ banking information – some of which derived from payday loan applications – and used it to make unauthorized debits against victims’ bank accounts. Members of the enterprise falsely claimed to banks that victims had authorized the transactions. The enterprise also used numerous shell entities and money laundering techniques to conceal its actions. For years, Young worked for a co-conspirator based in Southern California who ran the domestic side of the operation, assisting foreign co-conspirators with obtaining lead lists, establishing U.S. banking relations and coordinating nominal owners or “signers” for shell entities. Through that work, Young participated in nearly every aspect of the scheme. Young later replicated the scheme himself to make more money.

In June 2025, Young pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. In total, 22 defendants have been charged and seven have been convicted in connection with this scheme. Notices of upcoming hearings may be found here.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Wei Xiang and Meredith B. Healy of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Monica E. Tait for the Central District of California prosecuted the case.

The department urges individuals to be on the lookout for unauthorized debits to their accounts. Regularly check your bank, credit card and other financial statements and contact your financial institution if you see a charge you do not recognize. Report any fraudulent debit you identify to law enforcement. Reports may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov or at 877-FTC-HELP.

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Chinese illegal alien sentenced to 8 years in prison for role in fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans’ retirement & savings accounts

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

DAYTON, Ohio – Xiangyang He, 41, a Chinese national and illegal alien living in Los Angeles, was sentenced in U.S. District Court here to 96 months in prison for his role as a courier in a fraud scheme that targeted elderly Americans. He personally picked up more than half a million dollars in cash and gold from older victims, including at least one victim in Ohio. 

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Millington Man Sentenced to 4½ Years for Domestic Violence Against Service Member Spouse

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Memphis, TN – Jared Goodman, 34, was sentenced to federal prison for committing domestic violence against his service member spouse in the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Goodman previously pleaded guilty on November 10, 2025 to one count of domestic violence in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2261.On February 20, 2026, Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Goodman to 54 months in prison for his crime.According to information presented in court…

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Defense News: Justified Accord 2026 begins in Kenya, Tanzania

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya – Exercise Justified Accord 2026 (JA26), U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual, multinational exercise in East Africa, officially begins today across Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), JA26 integrates approximately 1,500 personnel from Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, the United States and several other nations to build readiness, deepen partnerships and strengthen regional security.

The exercise strengthens cooperation and advances regional security by enabling partner-led security operations against shared threats.

The exercise, running through March 13, 2026, serves as a premier innovation hub in East Africa. JA26 is designed to validate new technologies in austere environments while enabling partner-led security operations against shared counter-terrorism threats.

1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Spc. Ryan Traynor, left, and Spc. Phoenix Brooks, both infantrymen with Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, provide security for an urban operations exercise during Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations center in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 16, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kylejian Francia) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kylejian Francia) VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade; join 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, 51st Troop Command, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Massachusetts National Guard; the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF); Somalia Danab; Tanzania People’s Defence Forces; and 3rd Rifles, 11th Infantry Brigade, 1st (United Kingdom) Division, pose for a group photo while a KDF F5, assigned to the 15th Fighter Wing flies over at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations center during Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 20, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kylejian Francia) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kylejian Francia) VIEW ORIGINAL

The exercise features a comprehensive suite of training events designed to test the full spectrum of military operations.

“The true strength of Justified Accord lies in our partners taking the lead, said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Fernandez, the Justified Accord branch chief, SETAF-AF. “This exercise embodies the principle of burden sharing, creating a powerful, partner-led security network capable of shouldering the responsibility for a stable and prosperous East Africa.”

The two-week exercise features a training approach tailored to shared regional security needs.

In Kenya, activities focus on enhancing joint command and control, including a multinational live-fire exercise, a command post exercise integrating special operations and conventional forces, air-to-ground integration, and defensive cyber operations centered in Nairobi and Isiolo.

1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army soldiers with the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), join U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) for a group photo, culminating their field training exercise and concluding exercise Justified Accord (JA25), Feb. 15, 2025 at the Masata Military Training Base in Msata, Tanzania. The exercise JA25, is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Michael Knight) VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Arthur McCauley, a combat medic with the 301st Medical Detachment, 912th Field Hospital, 8th Medical Brigade, and U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Alisa Foster, a patient administration specialist with the 912th Field Hospital, 818th Hospital Center, 8th Medical Brigade, check vitals on a Kenyan citizen during a medical civic action program at Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) in Archers Post, Kenya, Feb. 13, 2025. This two-day MEDCAP typically serves between 750-900 patients, while enhancing joint readiness between civilian and military medical providers. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti, and Tanzania, JA 25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Josiah Jenkins) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Josiah Jenkins) VIEW ORIGINAL
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Richard Smith, an assistant chief nurse with 912th Field Hospital, 818th Hospital Center, 8th Medical Brigade, provides medical assistance to Kenyan citizens during a joint medical civic action program (MEDCAP) with the Kenya Defence Forces as part of exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at Archers Post, Kenya, Feb. 13, 2025. This two-day MEDCAP typically serves between 750-900 patients, while enhancing joint readiness between civilian and military medical providers. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti, and Tanzania, JA 25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Josiah Jenkins) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Josiah Jenkins) VIEW ORIGINAL
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John LeBlanc, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) assists with administering medicine to a goat during a veterinary civic action program (VETCAP) as part of Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) in Archers Post, Kenya, Feb. 18, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Josiah Jenkins) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Josiah Jenkins) VIEW ORIGINAL

In Tanzania, the focus is readiness, global force projection, and joint readiness for crisis response. The exercise features a bilateral field training exercise on jungle warfare and counter-improvised explosive devices, alongside a medical readiness exercise to support local communities and increase U.S. medical readiness.

1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Marine Corps V-22 Osprey, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) departs, concluding the field training exercise of exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25), at the Msata Military Training Base in Msata, Tanzania, Feb. 15, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Michael Knight) VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army soldiers with the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) service members advance to their position to neutralizing enemy opposition during the culminating field training exercise of exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25), at the Msata Military Training Base in Msata, Tanzania, Feb. 15, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Michael Knight) VIEW ORIGINAL

JA26 heavily leverages the National Guard Bureau’s state partnership program to deepen long-term military relationships.

The Massachusetts National Guard continues its decade-long partnership with Kenya, leading complex kinetic training, while the Nebraska National Guard builds upon its newly developed partnership with Tanzania, focusing on expeditionary medical and ground force readiness.

The training concludes with distinguished visitor days, showcasing the tangible return on investment of this multinational partnership and shared security cooperation.

During the JA26 distinguished visitor days, in coordination with the U.S. military and the U.S. Department of Commerce (U.S. Embassy Nairobi), selected U.S. and African vendors will set up technology expositions.

The industry day will directly connect commercial technological solutions with military and interagency end-users, fostering collaboration and aligning innovation with operational requirements focused on counter-terrorism, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and counter-UAS capabilities.

“A truly resilient joint force is powered by a thriving defense ecosystem,” added Fernandez. “What you will see is that ecosystem in action, a strategic partnership between our warfighters and commercial innovators from both the U.S. and our partners.”

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About Justified Accord

Justified Accord increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance and crisis response, prepares regional partners for United Nations and African Union missions and builds readiness for the U.S. joint force. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), and hosted in Kenya and Tanzania, JA is U.S. Africa Command’s largest exercise in East Africa, with approximately 1,500 participants.

For more imagery, video and news from Justified Accord visit the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS).

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.

Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

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Defense News: U.S. security force assistance brigade trains Djiboutian rapid intervention force

Source: United States Army

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Logistics Company Advising Team 6640 of 6th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, trained 80 members of Djibouti’s 2nd Company, Bataillon d’Intervention Rapide (Rapid Intervention Battalion) in night range operations on Goubet Range, Djibouti, Oct. 15-Nov. 25, 2025.

1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Soldier assigned to Logistics Company Advising Team 6640 of 6th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, demonstrates how to operate and mount night vision devices to members of Headquarters Company, Bataillon d’Intervention Rapide at Goubet Range, Djibouti, Nov. 25, 2025. During daylight hours, BIR personnel are preparing to train for nighttime range operations that will qualify them as night fire trainers for the Djibouti Armed Forces. (Photo courtesy of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa Public Affairs Office) (Photo Credit: Spc. Shawn Warren) VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Soldier, left, assigned to Logistics Company Advising Team 6640 of 6th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, adjusts day/night laser sight for a Djiboutian soldier, right, assigned to Bataillon d’Intervention Rapide Bataillon d’Intervention Rapide at Goubet Range, Djibouti, Oct. 20, 2025. During daylight hours, BIR personnel are preparing to train for nighttime range operations that will qualify them as night fire trainers for the Djibouti Armed Forces. (Photo courtesy of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa Public Affairs Office) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Shane Klestinski) VIEW ORIGINAL

The 54th SFAB, a subordinate unit to Civil Affairs Battalion, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), dedicated one training evening per week to 20 Soldiers from each BIR company. Personnel with the East Africa Response Force from Camp Lemonnier’s security forces battalion provided additional support.

According to U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Neil Limper, executive officer for the advising team in Djibouti, this train-the-trainer effort was typical of the SFAB’s mission to conduct security force assistance operations worldwide.

A U.S. Soldier assigned to Logistics Company Advising Team 6640 of 6th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, demonstrates how to bore sight a day/night laser sight at Goubet Range, Djibouti, Oct. 20, 2025. During daylight hours, BIR personnel are preparing to train for nighttime range operations that will qualify them as night fire trainers for the Djibouti Armed Forces. (Photo courtesy of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa Public Affairs Office) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kyler Chatman) VIEW ORIGINAL

“This training was conducted at the operational and tactical level to develop the capacity, capability and interoperability of [Djiboutian] partner forces, as well as their supporting institutions to accomplish theater security cooperation objectives,” Limper said.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class David Holzrichter, assistant team leader, explained that their mission successfully embedded a cadre of night-fire trainers across three maneuver companies and the headquarters company of the Djiboutian unit.

1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Soldier, left, assigned to Logistics Company Advising Team 6640 of 6th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, adjusts a night vision device for a Djiboutian soldier, right, assigned to Bataillon d’Intervention Rapide at Goubet Range, Djibouti, Oct. 20, 2025. BIR personnel are receiving training to conduct nighttime range operations that will qualify them as night fire trainers for the Djibouti Armed Forces. (Photo courtesy of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa Public Affairs Office) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kyler Chatman) VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Soldier, left, assigned to Logistics Company Advising Team 6640 of 6th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade assesses a shot grouping with a Djiboutian soldier, right, assigned to Bataillon d’Intervention Rapide at Goubet Range, Djibouti, Oct. 20, 2025. BIR personnel are receiving training to conduct nighttime range operations that will qualify them as night fire trainers for the Djibouti Armed Forces. (Photo courtesy of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa Public Affairs Office) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kyler Chatman) VIEW ORIGINAL

“Having received this training, Djiboutian BIR personnel showed they could independently train their remaining forces,” Holzrichter said. “This marks a significant milestone in their operational self-sufficiency. It shows their training coordinators now have a framework to build tactics, techniques and procedures to integrate night fire into their future training.”

Limper noted that the Djibouti Armed Forces is an important strategic partner for U.S. Africa Command in the Horn of Africa in a relationship focused on counterterrorism, as well as regional security and stability. The BIR’s mission primarily concentrates on security concerns, combatting extremism and executing specialized missions.

1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Soldier, right, assigned to Logistics Company Advising Team 6640 of 6th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade supervises training as members of Headquarters Company, Bataillon d’Intervention Rapide engage targets during a night fire exercise at Goubet Range, Djibouti, Nov. 25, 2025. BIR personnel are receiving training to conduct nighttime range operations that will qualify them as night fire trainers for the Djibouti Armed Forces. (Photo courtesy of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa Public Affairs Office) (Photo Credit: Spc. Shawn Warren) VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers assigned to Logistics Company Advising Team 6640 of 6th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade, far right, supervise training as members of Headquarters Company, Bataillon d’Intervention Rapide engage targets during a night fire exercise at Goubet Range, Djibouti, Nov. 25, 2025. BIR personnel are receiving training to conduct nighttime range operations that will qualify them as night fire trainers for the Djibouti Armed Forces. (Photo courtesy of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa Public Affairs Office) (Photo Credit: Spc. Shawn Warren) VIEW ORIGINAL

“Having a partner force that is just as capable as our own forces makes for a more formidable partner,” Limper said.

U.S. Army Maj. Micah Bennett, BIR logistics advisor, said that the BIR’s improved capacity will alleviate the training burden for future SFAB advisor teams and create a benchmark for future teams’ evaluations. Participating in this training also served as a demonstration of Djibouti’s commitment to burden-sharing in regional security matters.

“The BIR is an internal defense force,” Bennett said. “Having a unit capable of operating in low visibility conditions allows the Djiboutian military to better defend their country.”

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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PENSACOLA MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR METHAMPHETAMINE AND FIREARM CHARGES

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Geoffery Bartee Dale, 38, of Pensacola, Florida was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

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Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against New Jersey for Interfering with Federal Immigration Laws

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the State of New Jersey and New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherill over New Jersey’s new Executive Order No. 12 that interferes with the federal government’s enforcement of its immigration laws.

“Federal agents are risking their lives to keep New Jersey citizens safe, and yet New Jersey’s leaders are enacting policies designed to obstruct and endanger law enforcement,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “States may not deliberately interfere with our efforts to remove illegal aliens and arrest criminals — New Jersey’s sanctuary policies will not stand.”

The Executive Order prohibits ICE and other federal immigration officials from conducting secure arrests of criminal illegal aliens inside nonpublic areas of state property including state correctional facilities. Not only are New Jersey’s sanctuary policies illegal under federal law, but, as alleged in the complaint, New Jersey’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities results in the release of dangerous criminals from police custody who would otherwise be subject to removal, including illegal aliens convicted of aggravated assault, burglary, and drug and human trafficking, onto the streets.

On her first day in office, Attorney General Bondi instructed the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal immigration laws or impede lawful federal immigration operations. The Department’s list of  sanctuary jurisdictions published on August 5, 2025, precedes New Jersey’s latest Executive Order. Regardless, Attorney General Bondi has vowed to bring litigation to end such policies nationwide. Today’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal sanctuary city policies across the country, including in New York, Minnesota, and Los Angeles, California.