Joint Training of Serbian and U.S. Special Forces – Response to Hostage Situations

The goal of such training is to enhance the readiness of both units, gain new experiences, and strengthen international security cooperation.

The final demonstration of the joint training between U.S. special forces and the Serbian Ministry of Interior’s Special Anti-Terrorist Unit was held at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador in Belgrade. During the multi-week exercise, elite units known as the “Green Berets” and the Serbian SAJ practiced complex counterterrorism scenarios, with a focus on resolving hostage situations and joint operations under realistic conditions.

General Dejan Lukovic, Assistant Police Director, stated: "The execution of joint exercises symbolizes not only professional development and the exchange of knowledge but also serves as a platform for building friendships and strengthening partnerships, sending a strong message of unified action and strategy in the face of diverse security challenges."

As the highlight of the training, a simulated hostage rescue was performed, during which SAJ and U.S. special forces teams demonstrated speed, coordination, and efficiency in freeing hostages during a tactical building entry.

SAJ Commander Spasoje Vulevic emphasized that all experiences acquired from the U.S. Army’s special forces are incorporated into SAJ’s training programs and also into the instruction provided to other units within Serbia’s Ministry of Interior.

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The training was conducted at the SAJ base in Mitrovo Polje, on Mount Goc, as part of the Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) program, which has been implemented in Serbia for the eleventh time. This year, for the first time, members of the Texas National Guard also participated, marking a new chapter in military cooperation between Serbia and the United States.

"We’ve been cooperating with SAJ for many years. Let me tell you something – we train with security forces across Europe and the world, and SAJ is truly exceptional. They operate effectively in urban environments, possess specialized skills, and are experts in every domain. It’s rare to find all of that in a single unit. This cooperation is very important for us – we gain a lot from this engagement. We truly value this partnership, and my team and I are better because of it", said Brigadier General Joseph Lock.

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The training involved 35 members of SAJ and 10 U.S. special forces operators. At the conclusion of the exercise, certificates were awarded to all participants, and SAJ Commander Spasoje Vulevic received a special commendation for his contribution to the partnership and the continuous advancement of the unit’s operational capabilities.

The joint training at Mitrovo Polje was assessed as one of the most successful to date. The next joint exercise is already scheduled for September, in commemoration of Operation Halyard – one of the most remarkable episodes of Allied cooperation during World War II.

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