09 Apr 25. Cubic Announces the Inaugural Simplified, Planning, Execution, Analysis, Reconstruction (SPEARTM) Academy. Providing a unique forum for industry and warfighters to collaborate on multi-domain readiness.
Cubic Defense, a recognized industry leader in providing Air Combat Training solutions, announces the first-ever SPEAR Academy. In collaboration with RCG Inc., who will facilitate the two-day event, the Cubic/RCG team will highlight and showcase the world leading technology designed to efficiently integrate the warfighting domains without the need for new data standards or fusion algorithms.
“The academy curriculum is a comprehensive workshop specifically designed for both operators and technicians to understand the power of data science to provide true learning that transcends legacy “debriefing” said Paul Averna, VP and GM, Advanced Training Solutions for Cubic Defense.” Attendees from around the globe will participate in guided workshops and knowledge elicitation sessions to continue to push the boundaries of multi-domain operations, whether for training, testing, or warfighting ops.”
Robert Rickard, Chief Executive Officer of RCG Inc said, “SPEAR is driven by a one-of-a-kind team of subject matter experts, cognitive system engineers, and software developers. This first SPEAR Academy will showcase our ability and agility to design and deliver a program that keeps pace with ever-changing warfighter requirements.”
SPEAR is a revolutionary Common Data Model (CDM) for operations, test and training, that integrates, visualizes and analyzes multi-domain, multi-environment, objective and subjective data throughout the entire mission cycle. SPEAR unlocks unparalleled insights and optimization opportunities for mission rehearsal, real-time training enhancement, post-mission debriefs and resource management.
30 Mar 25. The UK’s commitment to NATO and ability to respond at pace and at scale has been strengthened as the British Army successfully returns from Exercise STEADFAST DART – the largest NATO deployment this year, so far. Hundreds of military vehicles and equipment from 7 Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team will arrive back in the UK through the Port of Immingham, the first operational use of a new strategic agreement between the British Army and Associated British Ports (ABP).
This new agreement allows the UK Armed Forces to use multiple ports across the country, enhancing flexibility in deploying and bringing home military assets. Previously only being able to use the to the Sea Mounting Centre at Marchwood, this new approach delivers significant strategic advantages, reducing transit times, improving efficiency, and enabling a faster and more sustainable military response in support of NATO operations.
The UK supplied the largest contribution of forces to exercise STEADFAST DART with over 2600 personnel, and 730 vehicles deploying to NATO’s eastern flank, reaffirming the UK’s unshakeable commitment to our NATO allies. 730 vehicles including Foxhound and Jackals were deployed by road, air, and sea to Eastern Europe where they conducted two exercises reinforcing the alliance’s eastern flank.
Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard said: “The success of Exercise STEADFAST DART demonstrates the strength of NATO’s collective defence and the UK’s unwavering commitment to the Alliance.
“The ability to deploy and recover our forces more efficiently is a game-changer, ensuring we remain ready to deter and respond to threats at pace and continue to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad for decades to come.”
The arrival of the MoD’s strategic RO-RO vessel, Eddystone, at the Port of Immingham this weekend, marks a major step forward in the UK’s ability to deploy at pace and at scale globally. The use of additional port infrastructure strengthens military readiness and enhances the UK’s contribution to NATO’s rapid response capabilities.
The successful completion of Exercise STEADFAST DART reaffirms the UK’s role as a leading NATO ally, ready to respond rapidly to emerging threats and contribute to the security of Europe and the wider world.
STEADFAST DART was an exercise which included the deployment of the new Allied Reaction Force, which can rapidly reinforce NATO’s eastern flank. These important exercises showcased the Alliance’s readiness, capability, and commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory. (Source: joint-forces.com)
04 Apr 25. U.S. Special Ops Conduct Combined Training With Panama, Formalize Commitment. Recent security engagements between U.S. and Panamanian forces culminated in the first official U.S.-Panama special operations forces talks, Feb. 18, 2025. The talks, along with concurrent joint combined exchange training exercises, underscore a decades-long bilateral partnership and highlight the global impact of U.S. special operations forces. Since 2020, the U.S. Special Operations Command South’s continuous presence has enabled the United States to collaborate with its Panamanian partners daily.
“This enduring partnership is crucial for regional stability and reflects our shared commitment to a secure future,” said Navy Rear Adm. Mark A. Schafer, Socsouth commander.
During the meeting, Schafer thanked Frank Abrego, Panama’s public security minister, as well as leaders from Panama’s SOF community for their dedication and expertise, and for their role in ensuring the safety and stability of the region.
“The work you do is not just critical to Panama but serves as a cornerstone for regional security. Your contributions embody the highest standards of professionalism, courage and adaptability,” Schafer said.
The rear admiral added that the dialogue represented a shared commitment to addressing complex challenges — whether countering transnational threats, combating illicit trafficking, or responding to natural disasters with agility and resilience.
Schafer said these first talks are just the beginning, as they set the stage for deeper collaboration and open the door to innovative solutions. He encouraged open dialogue and curiosity.
With about 6,000 U.S. SOF personnel deployed across 80 countries, the U.S.-Panama relationship exemplifies how strong military-to-military partnerships underpin peace through strength and regional stability worldwide, said Army Maj. Trevor Wild, Socsouth public affairs officer.
“Socsouth has been instrumental in strengthening Panamanian security since the early 1990s. This enduring partnership reflects the broader U.S. SOF commitment to building partner capacity and fostering interoperability with allies and partners globally,” he said.
Wild said a prime example of the partnership is Socsouth’s critical role in training Panama’s National Border Service in counter-narcotics operations, which they have done since its inception in 2008.
Additional U.S.-Panama training ranges from small team exchanges to large-scale exercises like Panamax-Alpha, a U.S. Southern Command-supported exercise focused on Panama Canal security and interoperability; Socsouth has participated in Panamax-Alpha for more than a decade. Wild said the sustained engagement epitomizes SOF’s global presence and commitment to forging enduring partnerships.
In May 2024, Panama hosted the Fuerzas Comando 2024, a Southcom-sponsored special military exercise consisting of a skills competition and senior leadership seminar. About 450 military, law enforcement and civilian personnel from various nations attended the 18th iteration of Fuerzas Comando.
Wild said Panama’s hosting of the exercise “further strengthens this partnership” and fosters relationships, which are crucial to SOF’s global mission.
The recent SOF talks culminated in a memorandum of agreement, formalizing the ongoing commitment to shared security objectives. Wild said they also established a framework for long-term collaborative training with U.S. SOF. He added that the agreement reinforces the vital role of such partnerships in building partner capacity and enhancing interoperability.
The concurrent joint combined exchange training included advanced marksmanship, communication, small unit combat tactics, demolition and medical care. Wild said this rigorous, hands-on training, coupled with the strategic dialogue of the SOF talks, builds upon years of joint exercises and exchanges, demonstrating the depth of the U.S.-Panama security relationship.
He added that the continued presence of U.S. SOF personnel working alongside Panamanian security forces embodies the SOF’s forward deployment model and dedication to building partner capacity.
These combined efforts, within the context of SOF’s broader global engagement, demonstrate the enduring strength and continued evolution of the U.S.-Panama security partnership — a partnership built on shared values, a commitment to regional security and stability, and the recognition that strong military-to-military relationships are essential for achieving shared security goals, Wild said. (Source: U.S. DoD)