Maroc Mantlet 2026 Storm Tested, Stronger Together
DRAPER, Utah – Dark churning water filled the normally dry river beds of north and western Morocco. Water overflowed river banks and filled streets, turning cities into waves of mud and debris. Severe flooding in 2025-2026 caused significant damage to multiple northern coastal regions as well as the inland urban city of Fez, affecting over 2 million people and displacing nearly 180,000 residents. Memories of the floods loomed large over Maroc Mantlet, a joint training event hosted by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR) and the Utah National Guard’s Region VIII Homeland Response Force (HRF) in 2026. Lessons learned from flooding drove the training objectives and experience shaped curriculum for both Utah Guardsmen and Moroccan partners.
“This year’s event continues 13 years of cooperation between the Utah National Guard Homeland Response Force Elements and the FAR Unité de Secours et de Sauvetage (USS),” said Col. Patricia Brown, commander, Region VIII HRF and 97th Troop Command, Utah Army National Guard.
“Each year we work with the FAR to build on previous training to continue to expand the capabilities of the USS and improve their response to natural and man-made disasters.” she added.
The goal was not simply to complete a training scenario, but to challenge responders with the types of complications that can arise during a real emergency. By introducing multiple hazards and requiring participants to coordinate across organizations, the training created opportunities to identify gaps in communications, test existing procedures, and evaluate how to effectively coordinate resources.
"Hand-in-hand coordination in search and rescue and medical triage ensures we can respond rapidly and seamlessly to any natural or man-made crisis," said Brig. Gen. Gene Buckner, commander Utah Air National Guard. In prior years, the training focused on a range of disaster-response scenarios, including wildland fire response, underwater rescue, and search and rescue. Each iteration gives the FAR and members of the Utah National Guard an opportunity to build on lessons learned from prior training. Through repeated training and shared experience, both partners continue to improve their ability to coordinate and respond quickly and effectively when called upon during a crisis.
“The 1st USS has proven itself during several natural disasters over the last several years, including the earthquake in 2023 and during several floods earlier this year,” said Brown.
“The 1st USS played a significant role in rescue operations in each instance. By increasing the complexity during training, they are better prepared for future real-world events.” she said.
As a humanitarian assistance project led by the Utah National Guard, the project aims to develop and perpetuate complex training scenarios that help prepare military personnel for a variety of scenarios including response to natural disasters with expansion efforts covering Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) incidents; Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) events; and medical response and casualty management. Lessons learned and knowledge shared created the long-lasting value of Maroc Mantlet 2026. Authentic experience enhanced training and participants were able to bridge gaps through shared information, bringing impactful takeaways forged by hard-fought experience.
“The Maroc Mantlet training events allow our Guardsmen not only to train, but to collaborate with our partners in the FAR and learn from each other. These exchanges give our US personnel real-world experience in a different environment to hone their skills and learn from our Moroccan partners,” U.S. Air Force Capt. Robert Matheny, director, Utah National Guard State Partnership Program.
Maroc Mantlet’s mission to serve and assist communities in need is rooted in its very name. A mantlet is defined as a strong and portable shield. Moroccan Soldiers and their Utah counterparts take up the mantle as a powerful and agile team, prepared for whatever challenges the future might bring. Whether it is storms, flooding, or any other natural disaster participants emerged from Maroc Mantlet 2026 stronger together.
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