U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Donald Bolduc, Special Operations Command – Africa Commander, addresses U.S. and African participants at exercise Silent Warrior 16, held from Nov. 9-13, in Garmisch, Germany. Silent Warrior 16 brought together Special Operations Forces and representatives from 19 African states to discuss cooperative strategies to combat violent extremist organizations in the region. (Special Operations Command Africa photo by Sgt. 1st Class Anthony L. Taylor/Released)

Special Operations Command - Africa participants share ideas during the SOCAFRICA Commander’s Conference held in Garmisch, Germany from November 16 – 20. The Commander’s Conference built on the lessons of the previous week when SOCAFRICA Forward commanders led regional breakout sessions to study threat groups and understand the challenges facing African militaries. (Special Operations Command Africa photo by Sgt. 1st Class Anthony L. Taylor/Released)

Special Operations Command - Africa participants share ideas during the SOCAFRICA Commander’s Conference held in Garmisch, Germany from November 16 – 20. The Commander’s Conference built on the lessons of the previous week when SOCAFRICA Forward commanders led regional breakout sessions to study threat groups and understand the challenges facing African militaries. (Special Operations Command Africa photo by Sgt. 1st Class Anthony L. Taylor/Released)

SOCAFRICA Commander’s Conference attendees participate in the North and West Africa Way-Forward Brief on November 17, at Garmisch, Germany. More than 230 Special Operations Forces and Interagency partners from across Africa and Europe met over two weeks to discuss the future of SOF cooperation in Africa. (Special Operations Command Africa photo by Sgt. 1st Class Anthony L. Taylor/Released)