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CENTCOM Launches 30th ‘Regional Cooperation’ Exercise in Montana

Published: June 3, 2026
On May 14, 2026, Admiral Bradley Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee at the Senate Office Building in Dilkerson, Capitol Hill. (Image: Win McNamee/Getty Images)

According to a June 1 announcement from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the 30th “Regional Cooperation” exercise officially began at Fort Harrison Military Base in Montana.

CENTCOM stated that “Regional Cooperation” is the largest joint training exercise conducted between the United States and countries in Central and South Asia. It began in 1996 and is designed to enhance regional security, stability, and combined operational capabilities.

“Training together for three decades represents a significant milestone and demonstrates longstanding trust and cooperation between the United States and our regional partners,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. “We share a common interest in training and preparing our forces for a wide range of contingencies.”

Over the next two weeks, more than 350 military personnel from 10 countries, along with 10 U.S. National Guard units, will participate in integrated exercises focused on improving tactical responses to both conventional and non-traditional security threats.

The 11-day exercise will include command post exercises, field training, and cybersecurity drills, providing participants with opportunities to conduct joint training and learn from one another.

Speaking about the significance of multinational joint training, Cooper said: “When we train and work together, we build relationships and make each other better.”