About Justified Accord

Justified Accord is U.S. Africa Command’s largest exercise in East Africa. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), this multi-national exercise brings together more than 20 countries from 3 continents to increase partner readiness for peacekeeping missions, crisis response and humanitarian assistance.​ 

Southern European Task Force - Africa leads this joint, all-domain exercise in East Africa to enable future operations, maintain strategic access, and build partner capacity to disrupt malign influence, aggression, and activity.

Justified Accord 25 features the first-ever night iteration of air-to-ground integration (AGI) operations where partner countries control Kenyan air assets to provide air support of multinational land forces.

This years iteration also marks the 10-year anniversary of the State Partnership Program between the Massachusetts National Guard and the Kenya Defence Forces. This milestone highlights a decade of sustained military cooperation, training exchanges and capacity-building efforts between the two forces.

Read the Press Release here.

   

 

Justified Accord Images
Press Information

 

Videos
Video by Jorge Gomez
The Badge & the Burden
Irwin Army Community Hospital
May 15, 2025 | 3:52
SPC Kangle Lin didn’t expect the Expert Field Medical Badge to be easy, but nothing prepared him for just how hard it would be.

A preventative medicine specialist with Fort Riley Public Health, Lin opens up about the reality of EFMB training. While confident in the academic portion, he admits the physical demands have pushed him to the edge. From equipment to fatigue-induced errors, Lin confronts moments that could make or break his chance at the badge. Yet, through the exhaustion and setbacks, he finds strength and encouragement in his fellow candidates.

The EFMB isn’t just another Army badge—it’s one of the most grueling and respected achievements in military medicine. Candidates must pass a series of no-fail, high-stress events that test their combat medical proficiency, tactical skills, and physical endurance. These include lifesaving care under fire, casualty evacuation drills, land navigation, warrior tasks, and a 12-mile timed ruck march—all performed without notes or second chances. Every step must be executed with precision. The smallest mistake—forgetting to verbalize a glove check or failing to secure a stretcher—can result in a disqualifying “no-go.”

Watch as Lin reflects on perseverance, growth, and the unexpected power of camaraderie on Day 8 of his EFMB journey.
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