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Task force ready: SETAF-AF strategizes for emergent crisis scenarios
U.S. Army Master Sgt. Ramon Curiel, left, an operations watch officer assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), and Sgt. 1st Class Erin Guy, the Ready and Resilient Performance Center program manager, SETAF-AF, work inside the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Sept. 3, 2025. SETAF-AF conducted a week-long, joint planning process in the TOC part of a contingency operations exercise which was a critical step toward validating its joint task force capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Brian Andries)
Photo by: SETAF-Africa Public Affairs
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Task force ready: SETAF-AF strategizes for emergent crisis scenarios
A U.S. Soldier walks by a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and generator outside an early entry command post assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), during a communications exercise (COMMEX) at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Sept. 3, 2025. SETAF-AF conducted a week-long joint planning process, as well as the COMMEX, both part of a contingency operations exercise which was a critical step toward validating its joint task force capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
Photo by: SETAF-Africa Public Affairs
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Task force ready: SETAF-AF strategizes for emergent crisis scenarios
A sign stands outside an early entry command post assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), during a communications exercise (COMMEX) at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Sept. 3, 2025. SETAF-AF conducted a week-long, joint planning process, as well as the COMMEX, both part of a contingency operations exercise which was a critical step toward validating its joint task force capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
Photo by: SETAF-Africa Public Affairs
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Task force ready: SETAF-AF strategizes for emergent crisis scenarios
U.S. Army Capt. Josh Digulla and Maj. David Trinh, both members of the early entry command post assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), work inside the mobile command post during a communications exercise (COMMEX) at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Sept. 3, 2025. SETAF-AF conducted a week-long joint planning process, as well as the COMMEX, both part of a contingency operations exercise which was a critical step toward validating its joint task force capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Brian Andries)
Photo by: SETAF-Africa Public Affairs
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Task force ready: SETAF-AF strategizes for emergent crisis scenarios
A U.S. Soldier passes in front of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) insignia inside the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Sept. 3, 2025. SETAF-AF conducted a week-long, joint planning process in the TOC, part of a contingency operations exercise which was a critical step toward validating its joint task force capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Brian Andries)
Photo by: SETAF-Africa Public Affairs
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Task force ready: SETAF-AF strategizes for emergent crisis scenarios
A U.S. Soldier takes a knee outside an early entry command post assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), during a communications exercise (COMMEX) at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Sept. 3, 2025. SETAF-AF conducted a week-long joint planning process, as well as the COMMEX, both part of a contingency operations exercise which was a critical step toward validating its joint task force capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
Photo by: SETAF-Africa Public Affairs
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Task force ready: SETAF-AF strategizes for emergent crisis scenarios
A notebook used by a U.S. Soldier assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) rests on a desk inside the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Sept. 3, 2025. SETAF-AF conducted a week-long joint planning process in the TOC, part of a contingency operations exercise which was a critical step toward validating its joint task force capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Brian Andries)
Photo by: SETAF-Africa Public Affairs
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Task force ready: SETAF-AF strategizes for emergent crisis scenarios
The U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) insignia hangs in the background, while a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and generator provide power to an early entry command post assigned to SETAF-AF, during a communications exercise (COMMEX) at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Sept. 3, 2025. SETAF-AF conducted a week-long joint planning process, as well as the COMMEX, both part of a contingency operations exercise which was a critical step toward validating its joint task force capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
Photo by: SETAF-Africa Public Affairs
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Task force ready: SETAF-AF strategizes for emergent crisis scenarios
A sign stands outside an early entry command post assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), during a communications exercise (COMMEX) at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Sept. 3, 2025. SETAF-AF conducted a week-long joint planning process, as well as the COMMEX, both part of a contingency operations exercise which was a critical step toward validating its joint task force capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
Photo by: SETAF-Africa Public Affairs
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Task force ready: SETAF-AF strategizes for emergent crisis scenarios
The U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) insignia hangs inside the Tactical Operations Center (TOC) at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Sept. 3, 2025. SETAF-AF conducted a week-long joint planning process in the TOC, part of a contingency operations exercise which was a critical step toward validating its joint task force capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Brian Andries)
Photo by: SETAF-Africa Public Affairs
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Task force ready: SETAF-AF strategizes for emergent crisis scenarios
A communications antenna provides network capabilities outside an early entry command post assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), during a communications exercise (COMMEX) at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Sept. 3, 2025. SETAF-AF conducted a week-long joint planning process, as well as the COMMEX, both part of a contingency operations exercise which was a critical step toward validating its joint task force capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
Photo by: SETAF-Africa Public Affairs
VICENZA, Italy – Planners with U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), locked in for a high-stakes week of strategic planning, focused on the successful launch of a Joint Task Force (JTF) at a moment’s notice. Basically, when the Department of Defense calls, SETAF-AF will be prepared to execute with multiple courses of action already validated.
From August 18–22, SETAF-AF headquarters conducted contingency planning, grinding through a simulated crisis scenario with a partner nation.
The specifics? Classified. The message? Crystal clear. This was not just about planning. It was a dress rehearsal for real-world crises, proving that when the unexpected hits, SETAF-AF will be ready.
"The value of the joint planning process isn't just in the plan itself, but in the increased readiness it fosters,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jeremy Dugena, an engineer officer within the strategy and plans directorate (G5), SETAF-AF. “Each iteration, each 'rep and set,' sharpens the HQ’s ability to rapidly generate adaptable and effective plans, ensuring SETAF-AF can seamlessly support joint task force missions wherever they may arise."
Throughout the exercise, planners tackled the full spectrum of operational demands essential to JTF deployment. From joint fires and intelligence integration to logistics under pressure and contested force projection, every element was stress-tested. These scenarios ensure SETAF-AF formations remain lethal and capable, ready for combat operations, humanitarian response and non-combatant evacuations alike.
The entire staff was engaged. Legal advisors reviewed statutory and international authorities for mission execution. Public affairs and civil affairs teams collaborated to synchronize messaging across U.S. and partner entities, ensuring unified communication in crisis.
SETAF-AF’s broad mission portfolio and global reach make it a uniquely strategic asset. Its ability to rapidly form and lead a JTF is built not just on equipment or personnel, but on deliberate, repeatable planning.
“Innovation is key. Every time we conduct a planning exercise, we incorporate something new,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kevin Ong, a psychological operations officer and the Influence (G39) branch chief, SETAF-AF. “For the first time ever, we are able to leverage Maven Smart Systems to enable near-real time data sharing from all sections of the command to conduct dynamic planning.”
The integration of Maven enables SETAF-AF to rapidly analyze battlefield imagery and logistics data, providing a dynamic common operating picture that enhances efficiency and precision in contingency planning.
"SETAF-AF's readiness rests on two pillars: advanced technology and decisive action. This combination ensures we can respond rapidly, and in concert with our partners, to any crisis, anywhere,” added Dugena.
Two planning teams worked in parallel throughout the week, each developing distinct courses of action. This dual-track approach allowed participants to compare strategies, anticipate friction points and refine operational concepts through consensus.
“Beyond the plan we developed, the staff built proficiency as a planning team,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steven Chase, a plans officer assigned to SETAF-AF, responsible for facilitating the joint planning event. “Planners drew on this event to identify opportunities and risk for our command, improving our ability to respond to a range of contingencies in support of the joint force.”
The August event was a critical step in validating SETAF-AF’s ability to plan for the deployment of a cohesive, lethal and mission-ready task force. In early September, JTF members put plans into action, deploying a mobile early entry command post to validate communication capabilities.
Next up for the command is an emergency deployment readiness exercise, a no-notice drill to test SETAF-AF’s ability to mobilize with speed and precision.
Armed with sharpened planning tools and a blueprint for swift execution, SETAF-AF continues to demonstrate the core elements of JTF readiness.
