U.S. Military Resumes Jungle Warfare Training in Panama

The U.S. military is reintroducing jungle warfare training in Panama for the first time in over two decades. This move is intended to prepare soldiers for combat and survival in the region’s challenging tropical environment, especially given the increasing tensions nearby.

This fall, the Pentagon has begun dispatching regular ground troops to collaborate with Panamanian security forces. They’re facing the jungle’s daunting wildlife and oppressive heat as they gear up for a rigorous three-week training course at the Air Base Cristobal Colon, which used to be known as Fort Sherman.

This initiative stems from a bilateral agreement and isn’t directly linked to the rising tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, its neighbor.

As part of a new “Integrated Jungle Operations Training Course,” soldiers have recently conducted weapons training. They’ve also picked up essential survival skills like building shelters, purifying water, and navigating thick vegetation.

Maj. Cody McBroom, who is overseeing the jungle course, stated that the training allows both U.S. and Panamanian forces to learn from one another. This collaboration is set to increase over the coming months.

“This isn’t just about our training; we’re both expanding our knowledge,” he mentioned in a recent conversation. “We’re looking at how we can support each other effectively, making it beneficial for both sides.”

The U.S. military has been active in Panama since the 1900s, teaching troops how to operate in tough, insect-ridden terrain. In the 1950s, the Jungle Operations Training Center was established at Fort Sherman, where thousands of U.S. and Latin American troops received training until Fort Sherman’s closure in 1999, a decision tied to the 1977 treaty under then-President Carter to return control of the Panama Canal by 2000.

By the early 2000s, jungle combat training became less of a priority as focus shifted to the global conflict in the Middle East. However, training continues in Hawaii and Okinawa, Japan.

McBroom emphasized the differences in environments, noting, “Surviving in Hawaii, often called paradise, is very different from here in Panama. The temperature, humidity, and wildlife present unique challenges.”

Earlier this year, President Trump remarked that the U.S. wanted to reclaim the Panama Canal, citing concerns about Chinese control of this critical trade route. Following that, the U.S. and Panama have enhanced their partnership, enabling more joint training and granting access to several key military facilities.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth remarked, “The Panama Canal must be secured by Panama, alongside the U.S., rather than China.”

Benjamin Guedan from the Stimson Center highlighted Panama’s dual motivations for the agreement with the U.S.: strengthening military ties and demonstrating that direct U.S. control of the canal isn’t necessary for regional security.

“By providing these training opportunities, the U.S. can ensure it monitors the canal while working closely with Panamanian authorities,” he explained in an interview.

Neighborhood tensions have escalated, with the Trump administration intensifying pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This includes showcasing military assets in the Caribbean, positioning warships and aircraft, and labeling Maduro an “illegitimate leader.”

The U.S. military has reported the destruction of 21 drug-trafficking vessels across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, claiming at least 83 lives in this effort, which the Venezuelan regime has termed “narco-terrorism.”

Panama clarified last week that its jungle training is unrelated to the U.S. military’s recent buildup or potential actions against Venezuela, describing it as a product of prior agreements.

President José Raúl Mulino emphasized that “Panama has not allowed any territory to host actions against Venezuela or any other nation.”

Guedan agreed, affirming that this cooperation reflects the administration’s increased focus on the region, though he noted that it’s still somewhat narrow. He said, “A pivot to the Western Hemisphere would benefit from a more comprehensive strategy leveraging various national powers.”

McBroom revealed that 46 soldiers graduated from last month’s training session, which included 27 Panamanians, 18 Marines, and one Army soldier. Another training course is set for November and is expected to conclude in December, with equal participation from both Panamanian and American troops.

He confirmed that plans are in place to expand the program, contingent on the support the Panamanian military can offer. “I’m working to ensure the safety of our unit while coordinating closely with our Panamanian counterparts,” he said, highlighting the importance of mutual support and effective collaboration.