Croatian and U.S. Special Forces Complete JCET Training

Members of Croatia’s Special Forces Command teamed up with a U.S. Special Operations unit for a Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) exercise, conducted throughout March and April in the Udbina region and the coastal waters near Split. The demanding training sessions included parachute jumps, maritime operations, and live-fire combat drills, the Croatian Ministry of Defense (MORH) announced on Thursday.

The primary goal of the JCET exercise was to strengthen interoperability, exchange tactical experience, and improve coordination between the allied forces.

Air, Land, and Sea Drills

This year’s training brought a wide range of complex scenarios, designed to simulate real-world combat situations. Among the most challenging activities were parachute jumps over land and open water, requiring precision and coordination from both Croatian and American operators.

RHIB speedboats carrying Croatian and U.S. Special Forces during VBSS drills — Croatian and U.S. operators speed toward a simulated boarding mission during VBSS training in the Adriatic Sea. (Photo: MORH)

Key elements of the training included:

Live-fire combat shooting in both daytime and nighttime conditions, focusing on situational awareness and instinctive targeting.
Breaching operations using mechanical tools, ballistic devices, and explosives.
VBSS (Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure) drills using RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats), vital for maritime interdiction.
Combat diving and underwater navigation, testing endurance, stealth, and underwater teamwork.
Coastal assault procedures, simulating amphibious landings and raids.

These multidomain exercises were designed not only to push physical limits but also to synchronize tactics, communication, and mission protocols between the two forces.

Strengthening Military Cooperation

The Croatian Ministry of Defense emphasized the high level of professionalism throughout the joint training. Additional support came from the Croatian Navy (HRM) and Croatian Air Force (HRZ), who played key roles in enabling the exercises.

Special Forces parachuter lands in water during joint exercise — A parachuter from Croatia’s Special Forces Command lands in the sea during a joint air-sea operation with U.S. Special Forces. (Photo: MORH)

The JCET program is part of a wider initiative to boost combat readiness, align with NATO operational standards, and deepen strategic partnerships with allied nations—particularly the United States.