Msata, Tanzania. (February 11, 2025): It is the oldest continuously inhabited place on earth, home to majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, and one of many exotic places U.S. troops get to train. In this photo by Sergeant Michael Knight, a U.S. soldier drills with a Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) soldier while participating in Operation Justified Accord. Hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, Justified Accord is the U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise involving approximately 1,300 personnel from fifteen countries. The training included multiple scenarios combining field training with live fire events as well as maritime and special operations.

In addition to sharpening their warfighting skills, participants also trained for potential peace keeping duties under the United Nations. It was also a chance to better coordinate humanitarian relief in an emergency. Tanzania is one of the world’s poorest countries with an estimated seventy percent living in poverty, mostly in rural areas. During Justified Accord, healthcare providers held civic action programs to provide veterinary services to livestock. In such a rural environment, a large portion of a family’s wealth is tied to their animals and vet services are greatly appreciated by locals. In addition to animal health, medical teams provided free healthcare to between 750 to 900 patients over a two-day period.

The United States has enjoyed a close relationship with Tanzania since it gained its independence in 1964. It is considered one of the safest and most politically stable countries on the African continent.