Welcome to JTF-Bravo

Congratulations on your assignment to Joint Task Force-Bravo!

JTF-Bravo is a subordinate command of U.S. Southern Command, responsible for a Joint Operations Area which encompasses the seven Central American countries. Our focus is strengthening partnerships, maintaining personal readiness, and integrating JTF-Bravo capabilities with our partner nations. This focus enables combined operations to effectively counter regional threats, build our partners' capacity, and quickly respond to humanitarian assistance/disaster relief contingencies. 

For information on your upcoming assignment, check out our Welcome Guide for all guidance on arrival and necessary documents you may need.

Newcomer Videos

JTF-Bravo History

  • 1982: Palmerola Air Base is constructed.
  • 1983: JTF-11 is established and later re-designated JTF-Alpha. 
  • 1984: JTF-Alpha is re-designated as JTF-Bravo with added mission to deter Nicaraguan aggression. 
  • 1992-1994: Transitional period; JTF-Bravo works on bilateral humanitarian and civil assistance operations. 
  • 1997: Commander in Chief’s Theater Engagement plan issued, calling for Soto Cano to serve as strategic gateway to theater. 
  • 1998: JTF-Bravo provides disaster relief assistance after Hurricane Mitch.
  • 1999: 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment assigned as tenant unit from Panama. 
  • 2000: 612th Air Base Squadron activation.
  • 2002: JTF-Bravo’s mission revised to include joint and interagency operations. 
  • 2007: JTF-Bravo dispatched medical team to Peru in response to severe earthquake.
  • 2010: JTF-Bravo supported operation Unified Response in Haiti.
  • 2014: JTF-Bravo provided aid to regions in Honduras following tropical storm Hannah. 
  • March - April 2016: JTF-Bravo provided support fighting wildfires in Tela, Honduras and the Darién Province, Panama.
  • October 2016: JTF-Bravo provided assistance and humanitarian efforts to Haiti following Hurricane Matthew.
  • March 2017: JTF-Bravo provides support in combating large forest fires in Honduras.
  • September 2017: JTF-Bravo provides hurricane relief assistance in collaboration with USAID/OFDA as part of JTF-Leeward Islands  
  • 2019:  JTF-Bravo provides aerial transportation assistance in Panama during Operation Darien Lift.
  • 2020: JTF-Bravo supports rescue, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions in Honduras, Guatemala and Panama after devastation left by hurricanes Eta and Iota.
  • 2021: JTF-Bravo deployed approximately 200 personnel in support of JTF-Haiti after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake devastated the country.
  • 2022: Within 24 hours, JTF-Bravo deployed a forward C2 and fuel capabilities to Haiti. Effectively delivering over 123,000 gallons of fuel as a part of FUELED COMMITMENT.
  • 2024: U.S. humanitarian aid for Honduras tops 6 million pounds with the Denton Program and through the help of JTF-Bravo.

Recent News

A Belize Defence Force member helocasts out of a CH-47 Chinook during AGILE BEAR 25, at Belize City, Belize, Aug. 6, 2025. As U.S. Southern Command’s rapid response element in Central America, Joint Task Force-Bravo provides a unique and essential capability in enabling our partner nations to proactively confront threats to their security through exercises like AGILE BEAR, preparing our teams to respond to crises in the joint operational area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dylan Rossitto) - A Belize Defence Force member helocasts out of a CH-47 Chinook during AGILE BEAR 25, at Belize City, Belize, Aug. 6, 2025. As U.S. Southern Command’s rapid response element in Central America, Joint Task Force-Bravo provides a unique and essential capability in enabling our partner nations to proactively confront threats to their security through exercises like AGILE BEAR, preparing our teams to respond to crises in the joint operational area. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dylan Rossitto)

News

US, BDF, BCG execute helocast procedures, concl...

Belize surgeon, Dr. Zul, prepares to make his first incision along with Joint Task Force-Bravo members assisting in the gallbladder surgery, during a JTF-Bravo surgical mission, Belmopan, Belize, Aug. 5, 2025.Surgical missions provide an opportunity for servicemembers to engage with the local community and give back to our neighbors while providing them with services that may otherwise be unavailable or in high demand. Since 1992, medical support to Central America has been a hallmark of JTF-Bravo’s presence in the region, improving overall health and long-term stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aaliyah Waalee) - Belize surgeon, Dr. Zul, prepares to make his first incision along with Joint Task Force-Bravo members assisting in the gallbladder surgery, during a JTF-Bravo surgical mission, Belmopan, Belize, Aug. 5, 2025.Surgical missions provide an opportunity for servicemembers to engage with the local community and give back to our neighbors while providing them with services that may otherwise be unavailable or in high demand. Since 1992, medical support to Central America has been a hallmark of JTF-Bravo’s presence in the region, improving overall health and long-term stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aaliyah Waalee)

News

JTF-Bravo apoya la misión quirúrgica de hernias...

A British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) member looks out of a CH-47 Chinook, during exercise AGILE BEAR 25, in Belize, Aug. 5, 2025. Subject matter expert exchanges with partner forces focused on specialized skills such as small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) operations, combatives, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), Helocast procedures, and conducting troop movements to remote locations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dylan Rossitto) - A British Army Training Support Unit Belize (BATSUB) member looks out of a CH-47 Chinook, during exercise AGILE BEAR 25, in Belize, Aug. 5, 2025. Subject matter expert exchanges with partner forces focused on specialized skills such as small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) operations, combatives, Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), Helocast procedures, and conducting troop movements to remote locations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Dylan Rossitto)

News

EE. UU., BDF, BATSUB ayudan a entregar raciones...