Feasibility report on multinational jungle warfare exercises in area of responsibility of United States Southern Command

(a) Study The Commander of the United States Southern Command shall conduct a study on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a program of recurring multinational jungle warfare exercises with partner countries in South America. (b) Elements The study required by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of establishing such a program, with a focus on the following exercise purposes: (A) To enhance interoperability between the United States Armed Forces and the military forces of partner countries in jungle and dense terrain environments. (B) To improve combined capabilities in small-unit tactics, reconnaissance, logistics, medical support, and communications in austere jungle conditions. (C) To strengthen regional partnerships and build capacity among participating countries to counter transnational threats, including illicit trafficking and non-state armed groups. (D) To support the readiness of the United States Armed Forces for operations in tropical and jungle environments. (2) An identification of recommended invitees for such a program, including partner countries in South America and any additional ally or partner the Commander of the United States Southern Command considers appropriate. (3) Recommendations on locations within the area of responsibility of the United States Southern Command that should be considered for the conduct of exercises under such a program, including host-country training areas in South America, as agreed upon with participating countries. (c) Coordination The Commander of the United States Southern Command shall coordinate with the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, and the head of any other relevant Federal agency, as appropriate, to consider whether a program of exercises under this section would align with United States security cooperation objectives in the Western Hemisphere. (d) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Southern Command shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the findings of the study required by subsection (a).