U.S. and Ghana Armed Forces Toughen Clinical Readiness at SETAF-AF Best Medic Competition

Introduction

In a significant display of international cooperation and medical expertise, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) recently hosted the “Best Medic Competition” at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy. Held from January 5 to 15, 2026, this high-intensity event brought together medical professionals from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), alongside counterparts from Italy, Liberia, and the United States. The primary objective was to test and elevate clinical proficiency under simulated combat conditions, reinforcing the critical nature of global health engagement and military medical interoperability.

For the GAF, this marked the second consecutive year of fielding a joint four-person team comprising personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Their participation is not merely a competitive endeavor; it is a strategic pillar in the enduring security partnership between Ghana and the United States. As geopolitical landscapes shift, the ability of allied forces to provide seamless trauma care and emergency medical response is paramount. This competition serves as a proving ground for those capabilities, ensuring that when crises arise, medics are ready to save lives regardless of uniform or nationality.

Key Points

Background

SETAF-AF’s Strategic Role

The U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) serves a vital role in the U.S. military’s operational architecture. Its mission is multifaceted: it prepares Army forces, executes disaster response, enables strategic competition, and strengthens partnerships to achieve campaign objectives for both U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM). By hosting events like the Best Medic Competition, SETAF-AF operationalizes its mandate to build partner capacity.

The U.S.-Ghana Security Partnership

The relationship between the United States and Ghana is built on decades of mutual respect and shared security interests. Rolf Olson, Chargé d’affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, emphasized that Ghana’s continued presence at this premier competition is a testament to the professional caliber of its medical staff. This cooperation extends beyond the training range. Olson cited a recent example of logistical interoperability: a C-17 flight in December 2025 that transported GAF personnel to Jamaica to deliver humanitarian aid. This synergy—combining medical readiness with humanitarian assistance—defines the modern U.S.-Ghana defense relationship.

The Importance of Medical Readiness

In modern warfare and humanitarian operations, the “Golden Hour”—the critical period following traumatic injury—often determines survival rates. Consequently, medical readiness is not just about medical knowledge but also physical endurance and tactical acumen. The competition was designed to mirror the chaotic reality of the battlefield, where medics must administer care while navigating physical threats and environmental hazards.

Analysis

Testing Interoperability Under Stress

The core value of the Best Medic Competition lies in its ability to foster interoperability. As U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Shanett Robinson, the chief medical noncommissioned officer of SETAF-AF, noted, the event creates a “high-stress, interoperable environment.” This allows U.S. soldiers and international medics to validate their skills side-by-side. When a U.S. medic and a Ghanaian medic treat a simulated casualty together, they learn to bridge communication gaps and standardize procedures. This familiarity is crucial for future joint operations, whether in peacekeeping missions or combined combat scenarios.

Elevating the Standards of Care

The competition rigorously tested specific medical competencies. Top performers were recognized in several critical categories:

• Delayed Evacuation Casualty Care: Recognizing U.S. Army Spc. Tucker Ranney (SETAF-AF medic) and Ato Amonoo-Rockson (GAF) for their ability to sustain life during prolonged field care.
• Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC): Honoring U.S. Army Sgt. Dylan Ray (173rd Airborne Brigade) and Cpt. Emmanuel Oti-Boateng (GAF) for applying life-saving interventions under fire.
• K-9 Casualty Care: A specialized category recognizing U.S. Army Sgt. Kaitlin Flynn, Sgt. Adagbe, and Leading Seaman Amonoo-Rockson for their proficiency in treating military working dogs.

These categories reflect the evolving demands of military medicine, where medics must be versatile enough to treat humans and animals alike, often in austere environments.

Physical and Technical Synthesis

The event was not purely academic. The two-day competition (Jan 13-14) replicated the physical demands of life-saving scenarios. This included marksmanship with an M4 carbine, proving that a medic must be a warrior first. The inclusion of CBRN training and resiliency coaching underscores that medical personnel must maintain operational effectiveness even when facing weapons of mass destruction threats or extreme psychological stress.

Practical Advice

For military medical professionals and organizations looking to replicate this level of readiness, the SETAF-AF competition offers a blueprint for success:

1. Integrate Physical Fitness with Medical Skill

Medical knowledge is useless if the provider cannot physically perform under duress. Training programs should incorporate high-intensity physical exertion immediately before or during medical tasks. For example, administering CPR or applying a tourniquet after a heavy ruck march simulates the fatigue of actual combat.

2. Embrace Multi-Domain Training

Modern medics face threats beyond ballistics. Incorporate CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) protocols into standard medical training. Practicing trauma care while wearing protective gear is essential for survivability in contaminated environments.

3. Foster Cross-Branch and International Collaboration

Do not train in silos. The success of the GAF team—comprising Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel—demonstrates the value of a unified approach. Furthermore, participating in international exercises broadens perspective and introduces new techniques.

4. Focus on “Delayed Evacuation” Scenarios

In remote areas or during mass casualty events, evacuation may be hours or days away. Training must move beyond “stabilize and transport” to “sustain and manage” over long durations. This includes IV management, pain control, and infection prevention in the field.

FAQ

Conclusion

The 2026 SETAF-AF Best Medic Competition was more than a test of skill; it was a vital exercise in alliance-building and operational readiness. The exceptional performance of the Ghana Armed Forces, alongside their peers from Liberia, Italy, and the U.S., highlights a shared commitment to medical excellence. By simulating the harsh realities of combat and prolonged field care, this event ensures that deployed medics are prepared to handle the most complex medical emergencies. Ultimately, this cooperation translates to a stronger, more resilient force capable of protecting personnel and saving lives across the globe.