First U.S. airman graduates from Panama’s jungle operations training course

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Duchaine Paul, a member of the 824th Base Defense Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, has become the first Airman to complete the Jungle Operations Training Course–Panama, earning the jungle tab on May 15 after an 18-day iteration of the program.

Paul’s selection followed months of joint training and relationship-building with Panamanian counterparts, including the Servicio de Protección Institucional, the country’s presidential security force. “Fortunately, I’ve been very blessed to train with other partners like SPI, which is presidential security over here in Panama,” Paul said. “And we got to train with them over at Cerro Tigre. And it’s been some great partnership and just building a relationship with the Panamanians.”

The course, held from April 27 to May 15 at Base Aeronaval Cristóbal Colón, pushes students through heat, humidity, heavy rains, dense terrain, and wildlife while demanding proficiency in survival, small-unit tactics, navigation, and waterborne operations. Paul said the toughest stretches reinforced the importance of mindset and teamwork. “Those difficult moments of the course is what kept me going through every single day… I look over to one of my friends, they would be struggling just as much. I just knew I couldn’t let up … You’re struggling. You see your buddy just barely making it. It’s a good option to just laugh at each other like, ‘Yeah, I cannot believe we’re here right now.’ You just keep pushing.”

Operating alongside Spanish-speaking classmates also became part of the challenge. “It was very interesting. Of course, there’s a language barrier, but it’s more getting the opportunity to learn a different language and refine those skills,” he explained. “So, it’s a very challenging time for me to learn Spanish, and also a very beneficial time as well.”

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jeanna Daessleer, mission commander for the 474th Air Expeditionary Group, Detachment 1, said Paul was chosen for the course because of the way he represented his unit and engaged with partner forces. “Our mission in Panama is centered on training by, with, and through our Panamanian partners to strengthen interoperability, build enduring relationships, and reinforce regional security cooperation,” said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Jeanna Daessleer, 474th Air Expeditionary Group, Detachment 1, mission commander. “Staff Sergeant Paul embodied that mission every day in country. While several members were medically and physically qualified to attend the course, he distinguished himself through his professionalism, teamwork, and the relationships he built with our partner force. He has a unique ability to connect with people, foster trust, and positively represent both the 824th Base Defense Squadron and the United States Air Force. He was absolutely the right Airman for this opportunity and excelled throughout the course.”

Paul said the milestone is a reflection of his squadron and the joint team, not a personal accolade alone. “But to me, it wasn’t really about being the very first Air Force graduate to come through this. It was about knowing that I am just an image of the 824th BDS. So I’m not just representing myself, but my fellow partners, my colleagues that are down there waiting to come to the next class.”

He encouraged other service members to pursue the training for both its tactical rigor and its relationship-building value. “I would definitely recommend this course to anybody who can come here, because it’s an amazing opportunity to build relationships with the Panamanians.”

Daessleer said more Airmen are already lined up to attend future iterations. “Looking ahead, we absolutely intend to continue sending Airmen through JOTC-P. The 824th BDS already has two additional Airmen identified and prepared for upcoming iterations. Additionally, through the partnership established during this course, we have strengthened coordination with the JOTC-P leadership and anticipate continued opportunities for Base Defense Group Airmen to attend future classes,” Daessleer said.

Paul’s graduation highlights deepening U.S.-Panama defense cooperation and the Air Force’s growing presence in a training pipeline designed for operations in some of the most challenging terrain in the Americas.