Tactical Jungle Warfare Exchange With Colombian Marine Counterparts
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS110208-03
2/8/2011
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd class Lauren G. Randall, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs
COVENAS, Colombia (NNS) -- Marines with the Security Cooperation Task Force (SCTF) and Colombian marines with the Colombian Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, participated in a tactical jungle warfare subject matter expert exchange at the Colombian Marine Infantry Training Base, Feb. 3.
The SCTF is currently deployed as part of Amphibious Southern Partnership Station 2011 (A-SPS 11), a concept designed to strengthen cooperative partnerships in support of the U.S. Maritime Strategy in the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility.
This particular A-SPS is focused on the Caribbean Basin and Central and South America.
The jungle warfare exchange consisted of a demonstration on patrol techniques, contact drills, operations and deployments, followed by hands-on practical application.
"This was a great exchange of information between the U.S. and one of our partner nations, Colombia," said Sgt. Randall S. Griffith, with the SCTF. "This is really good information. Colombian jungle warfare is very similar to ours, yet they have had much more practical experience."
During the patrol techniques portion, each platoon was divided into two squads. The squads practiced movement through the jungle, hand signals, and cover and concealment techniques. The Marines also discussed the role, tactics, and application of various aspects of ground combat such as snipers and ambushes during the contact drill segment.
"This really fosters our relationship together," said Griffith. "They have a lot that they can share with us, and we have a lot to share with them."
The operations section was an informative brief on the deployment and rotations of Colombian marines. They usually work out of one base for the majority of their careers.
"My favorite part of the exchange was the practical application portion," said Cpl. Donald C. McPoland, with the SCTF. "It was great to experience a different environment. It gives you new techniques to take back with you and it was great to be able to do it."
During practical application, the U.S. Marines put their new skills and techniques to the test on a trek through the woods around the base.
"This exchange of information was wonderful," said Colombian Marine Sgt. 2nd Class John M. Ortega, Colombian subject matter expert. "This was done very well, with the U.S. experience and our experience in jungle warfare, combining the two we achieved a higher level of knowledge in our training, conflict and peace keeping."
A-SPS 11 is a United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)-directed operation implemented by Commander, United States Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO), supported by United States Marine Corps Forces, South (MARFORSOUTH) and carried out by Commander, Destroyer Squadron Four Zero (CDS40), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and a Marine Corps Security Cooperation Task Force.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, visit COMUSNAVSO/C4F Public Affairs by email at comusnavso-c4f_mypt_pao@navy.mil, visit www.public.navy.mil/comusnavso-c4f
>
For more news from Commander, U.S. Marine Forces South, visit http://www.mfs.usmc.mil/organization.htm
>
For more news from Commander, U.S. Southern Command, visit http://www.southcom.mil/
For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.
>
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
