Utah Guard, Morocco strengthen partnership during Maroc Mantlet 2026

DRAPER, Utah - After devastating floods swept through parts of Morocco, displacing thousands and leaving communities covered in mud and debris, Utah National Guard and Royal Moroccan Armed Forces responders turned disaster lessons into preparation for the next crisis.

Maroc Mantlet 2026, a joint training event hosted by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and the Utah National Guard's Region VIII Homeland Response Force, drew on lessons from recent flooding to shape training that strengthens disaster response and coordination between the longtime partners.

"This year's event continues 13 years of cooperation between the Utah National Guard Homeland Response Force Elements and the FAR Unité de Secours et de Sauvetage (USS)," said Col. Patricia Brown, commander, Region VIII HRF and 97th Troop Command, Utah Army National Guard.

"Each year we work with the FAR to build on previous training to continue to expand the capabilities of the USS and improve their response to natural and man-made disasters." she added.

The goal was not simply to complete a training scenario but to challenge responders with complications they could encounter during a real emergency. By introducing multiple hazards and requiring participants to coordinate across organizations, the training created opportunities to identify communication gaps, test procedures and evaluate how to coordinate resources effectively.

"Hand-in-hand coordination in search and rescue and medical triage ensures we can respond rapidly and seamlessly to any natural or man-made crisis," said Brig. Gen. Gene Buckner, commander Utah Air National Guard.

In previous years, the training focused on disaster-response scenarios including wildland fires, underwater rescue, and search and rescue. Each iteration gives the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces and Utah National Guard an opportunity to build on lessons learned and improve their ability to coordinate and respond during a crisis.

"The 1st USS has proven itself during several natural disasters over the last several years, including the earthquake in 2023 and during several floods earlier this year," said Brown.

"The 1st USS played a significant role in rescue operations in each instance. By increasing the complexity during training, they are better prepared for future real-world events." she said.

Led by the Utah National Guard as a humanitarian assistance project, Maroc Mantlet develops complex training scenarios to prepare military personnel to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. The training has expanded to include explosive ordnance disposal incidents; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear events; and medical response and casualty management.

The exchange also lets participants share lessons learned through real-world experience and apply them to future disaster-response operations.

"The Maroc Mantlet training events allow our Guardsmen not only to train, but to collaborate with our partners in the FAR and learn from each other. These exchanges give our US personnel real-world experience in a different environment to hone their skills and learn from our Moroccan partners," U.S. Air Force Capt. Robert Matheny, director, Utah National Guard State Partnership Program.

Maroc Mantlet's mission to serve and assist communities in need is reflected in its name. A mantlet is a strong, portable shield. Moroccan soldiers and their Utah counterparts train as a team to prepare for storms, floods and other disasters - applying lessons from past emergencies to strengthen their ability to respond together when the next crisis comes.