Civil Affairs strengthens partnerships in Zambia | Article | The United States Army
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa
CHONGWE, Zambia — U.S. Army Civil Affairs Soldiers with the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the Zambian Defence Force (ZDF) partnered for joint civil affairs operations (CAOs) and United Nations civil-military cooperation (UN-CIMIC) training at the Kenneth Kaunda Peace Training Centre from Nov. 25 to Nov. 29, 2024.
The collaboration strengthened the ZDF’s operational readiness and expanded U.S.-Zambia military cooperation, supporting SETAF-AF’s mission of promoting regional stability and building long-term partnerships in Southern Africa.
“Our mission is to build partner capacity through shared training and cooperation,” said U.S. Army Capt. Dru Simpson, civil affairs team (CAT) leader, 478th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), SETAF-AF. “By working together on CAO and UN-CIMIC principles, we’re improving their ability to conduct effective security and humanitarian operations.”
The engagement combined classroom instruction with scenario-based practical exercises tailored to ZDF requirements, focusing on real-world applications.
“The ZDF showed a strong willingness to learn and adapted quickly to our training techniques,” Simpson added. “They appreciated the hands-on approach, which deepened their understanding and prepared them for operational success.”
Zambia plays a key role in regional stability, and engagements like this contribute to a more secure Southern Africa. The ZDF’s proactive approach and professionalism reinforce their capacity to influence neighboring countries positively.
“Training alongside the ZDF and learning how they conduct UN-CIMIC missions has helped foster a strategic alliance between the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion, future civil affairs teams and the ZDF,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Hill, senior noncommissioned officer of the 478th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), SETAF-AF. “This collaboration enhanced both parties' operational capabilities and deepened mutual understanding, ultimately strengthening our ability to address shared challenges.”
U.S. and Zambian Soldiers exchanged valuable insights throughout the training.
“The Zambian Defense Force demonstrated a strong understanding of civil relations and operational environments,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tyrone Thompson, a civil affairs noncommissioned officer, 478th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), SETAF-AF. “Working alongside them broadened my perspective on UN-CIMIC practices and contributed to my professional growth.”
U.S. Army Sgt. William Larson, a civil affairs team medic, 478th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), SETAF-AF, also praised the professionalism of ZDF personnel. “Their dedication to the craft of soldiering and to their country is inspiring—not only for their community, but for neighboring nations as well,” Larson said. “The ZDF is a valuable partner to the U.S.”
Quarterly engagements are planned with the ZDF moving forward to reinforce progress made during this training and continue building regional security cooperation.
“Together, we forged stronger bonds and exchanged invaluable knowledge, demonstrating that collaboration strengthens both sides,” Simpson concluded.
Civil Affairs teams work closely with African communities and military partners to strengthen local infrastructure, provide humanitarian assistance and support to regional stability. By collaborating directly with local leaders, Civil Affairs Soldiers address critical needs while empowering African communities to build sustainable solutions for their future. This supports U.S. Africa Command’s objective of ‘partner-led, U.S.-enabled’ activities.
SETAF-AF providesU.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.
