Opening ceremony kicks off Fuerzas Comando 2014

Photo By Matthew Veasley | U.S. Army Brig.Gen. Sean P. Mulholland, the commander of Special Operations Command South, watches as commandos from 17 nations march onto the parade field during the opening day of the Fuerzas Comando 2014 competition. Teams from 17 nations from across the Americas will compete in Fuerzas Comando 2014 in Colombia July 23-31. Fuerzas Comando, established in 2004, is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored Special Forces skills competition and fellowship program. Special Operations Command South serves as the U.S. execution agent for the exercise.  

FORT TOLEMAIDA, COLOMBIA

07.23.2014

Story by Sgt. Wilma Orozco 

Special Operations Command South

FORT TOLEMAIDA, Colombia - Elite special operations forces and police units from 17 nations across the Western Hemisphere officially kicked off Fuerzas Comando 2014 during an opening ceremony held on Fort Tolemaida, July 23.

The annual competition, sponsored by the U.S. Southern Command and executed by Special Operations Command South, promotes strong and long-lasting partnerships and cooperation between the participating nations along with a unique opportunity for the teams to display their special operations skills in a competitive environment.

The competition, established in 2004, is aimed at enhancing training skills, mutual trust, readiness and the interoperability of special operations forces units in the region.

“This is a very special event,” said Army Brig. Gen. Sean P. Mulholland, commander of Special Operations Command South, headquartered on Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. “These teams have already won. The best, the elite of each country is here having the opportunity to exchange friendship and technical experiences that are particular to the threats of each country.”

The eight-day event includes physical fitness competitions, weapons marksmanship, aquatic skills and tactical capability challenges. The last day of the competition will include a multinational airborne operation on Fort Tolemaida.

Colombia is both the host nation for this year’s competition and the reigning champion with five Fuerzas Comando Cup wins, including the last competition in 2012. This year’s contenders are: Belize, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, United States and Uruguay.

Fuerzas Comando helps promote military-to-military relationships, increases training knowledge and improves regional security.

“Not one team has all the knowledge nor all the ability, said Dr. Juan C. Pinzón Bueno, the minister of defense for Colombia. “Each one has the knowledge to share and something to learn in our effort to defend our nations. Honor your countries; work hard and compete to win.”

While the elite teams compete in Tolemaida, the Counterterrorism Fellowship Program (CTFP) is held in the city of Bogota for senior military leaders and government officials of the participating countries.

The CTFP provides the participating countries a different playing field for the exchange of ideas and experiences on common threats such as transnational organized crime and illicit trafficking throughout the region. The countries of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis are also participating in the CTFP this year. The closing ceremony for this year’s Fuerzas Comando is scheduled to take place July 31 on Fort Tolemaida. The winning team will be presented with the Fuerzas Comando Cup during the ceremony.

For team updates and photos, please check out the Fuerzas Comando 2014 website at www.ejecrito.mil.co/fuerzascomando or Special Operations Command South Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USSOCSOUTH.

• Date Taken: 07.23.2014
• Date Posted: 07.23.2014 22:42
• Story ID: 137076
• Location: FORT TOLEMAIDA, CO