CRISTÓBAL COLÓN, Panama — After a demanding 19 days, the Jungle Operations Training Course – Panama, class 26-06, has ended. JOTC-P-26-06 brought together service members from the U.S. Army, Marines, and Air Force, alongside Panamanian partners and, for the first time, West Point Army cadets.
Seven future leaders spent the past several weeks in the jungle, learning to survive, navigate, and fight in one of the most challenging environments. Yesterday, they made history as the first group of United States Military Academy West Point cadets to graduate from JOTC-P.
History isn’t just written – it’s earned.
U.S. Army SFC Gabrielle Hamelly and Spc. Aurora Pennington are the first two women to graduate from JOTC.
This iteration marks significant growth, with increased student numbers and balanced teams that maintain representation from U.S. and Panamanian participants. The course will also see the largest participation by U.S. Army personnel since the revitalized training began in August 2025. The blended teams foster collaboration, build interoperability, and encourage joint problem-solving in challenging conditions.
JOTC-P integrates assets across services and nations, including dismounted tactics and aviation support, to prepare forces for operations in dense, triple-canopy jungle terrain. The training is delivered in three phases.
In phase one, participants master jungle survival fundamentals, such as machete use, firecraft, water purification, and building primitive shelters. Largely led by Panamanian instructors, this phase emphasizes adaptability, endurance and resourcefulness in austere environments.
Phase two covers small-unit tactics, including movement techniques, ambushes, casualty evacuation and waterborne operations, largely led by U.S. instructors. These scenarios challenge decision-making under stress and strengthen communication in multinational teams.
Phase three features five combined missions — including attacking a mortar firing point and conducting ambushes and reconnaissance — culminating in the grueling “Green Mile” endurance event and graduation. Instructors assess teamwork, leadership, and sustained performance under demanding jungle conditions.
Congratulations to JOTC-P 26 06 and SFC Gabrielle Hamelly for being the first female to complete the course. SFC Gabrielle Hamelly is VTVT co-founder Ed Junod's niece!
God Bless America.
