COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — On Sept. 15, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Jordanian Armed Forces kicked off exercise Eager Lion 2026 at Fort Carson in Colorado.   

More than 200 military personnel from Jordan and the United States are participating, including National Guard personnel from Colorado and Illinois. The two-week event is designed to deepen U.S.-Jordanian military cooperation, which remains a cornerstone of Middle East security and stability.

"Our longstanding military-to-military ties with the Jordanian Armed Forces are stronger than ever," said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. "Working and training together will further strengthen our collective operational effectiveness and readiness."

Eager Lion 2026 is the 12th iteration of the biennial exercise. This year, U.S. service members will train alongside Jordanian counterparts during scenarios that focus on planning and coordination in counterterrorism, air defense, maritime security, cyber, and disaster response.

The state of Colorado has a special relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces. The Colorado National Guard established a longstanding partnership with Jordan's military through the State Partnership Program.   

Established in 1993, the State Partnership Program pairs state National Guards with militaries of other nations to promote global security cooperation. Colorado and Jordan began partnering in 2004, forging enduring trust and personal bonds for more than 22 years.

This is the first time the United States is hosting Eager Lion.