Strengthening Defense and Security Partnerships in the Western Hemisphere 

Partnership is the foundation of SOUTHCOM’s approach to regional security.

Members of the U.S. Marine Corps and the Panamanian security services assault a simulated mortar point during the Combined Jungle Operations Training Course at Base Aeronaval Cristóbal Colón, Panamá, Dec. 11, 2025.

We work “by, with, and through” our allies and partners to build resilient, capable forces that can address shared threats and challenges. 

Our partnership efforts include: 

• Security cooperation and assistance programs, including International Military Education and Training (IMET) and the State Partnership Program (SPP). 

• Joint training exercises, such as PANAMAX and UNITAS, to enhance interoperability and readiness. 

• Targeted investments in partner nation capabilities, such as maritime domain awareness and lifecycle management. 

• Close collaboration in cyber and space domains to bolster defenses against malicious intrusions and enable sovereign capabilities. 

These efforts foster trust, build capacity, and ensure that our partners are able to contribute actively to hemispheric security, making the United States the partner of choice in the region.