U.S. Southern Command troops have returned to the jungles of Panama, conducting one of the most intensive warfare training programs seen in the region in decades. From October 8 to 29, 2025, American forces joined Panamanian troops in a Combined Jungle Operations Training Course designed to sharpen survival, patrol, and ambush tactics under extreme conditions.

The training, held deep within Panama’s dense rainforests, marks a significant revival of the United States’ historic jungle warfare traditions once centered at Fort Sherman — a former U.S. base closed in 1999 after the Panama Canal handover. The return to these familiar terrains symbolizes a renewed American commitment to maintaining security and strategic presence in Central America amid growing global tensions.

Officials describe the exercises as more than just tactical drills. They represent a key step in reinforcing interoperability between U.S. and Panamanian forces, ensuring both nations can respond rapidly to emerging regional threats — from transnational crime to potential disruptions near the critical Panama Canal.

The timing is also notable. Following recent U.S.-Panama defense agreements, Washington has shown increasing concern over Beijing’s expanding influence in the region, particularly near key maritime routes. Reviving joint military training serves both a practical and symbolic purpose: to remind adversaries that the United States remains deeply engaged in the Western Hemisphere and stands ready to protect vital global trade arteries.

By blending modern military technology with classic jungle survival techniques, the U.S. Southern Command’s operations in Panama reaffirm America’s readiness and resolve. For Washington’s allies, it’s a message of assurance; for rivals, a signal of enduring U.S. reach and resilience.