Brave Rifles build upon partnership with Colombian military

Photo By Staff Sgt. Erik Warren | Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Velasquez (left), senior enlisted adviser of the Colombian marines, speaks to 1st Lt. Josh Holloman, Bandit Troop, 1st Squadron “Tiger,” 3d Cavalry Regiment, about the firing system and optics mounted on a Stryker vehicle Nov. 2 at Fort Hood, Texas. A Colombian delegation visited 3d CR to learn more about the vehicles and refine their training routine for their new vehicles. (U.S. Army photo taken by Spc. Erik Warren, 3d Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

11.02.2015

Story by Maj. Vance Trenkel 

3d Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Office

FORT HOOD, Texas – The 3rd Cavalry Regiment briefed command sergeants major of the Colombian army and marines and senior noncommissioned officers of their air force and navy about the capabilities of 3rd CR’s Strykers here Monday.

“Having these discussions is of the upmost importance to align the U.S. and Colombian militaries,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Argemira Posso Rivera, senior enlisted adviser of the Colombian army. “This reinforces the partnership and ensures interoperability for conflict with global enemies.”

The Colombian military has had Strykers for the past five years, and has used them in conflicts on the Venezuelan border.

Some of the variants, including the common remote operated weapon station that is used by 3rd CR, were a new experience for the Colombian noncommissioned officers.

The CROWS allows U.S. troops to scan and engage the enemy without exposing personnel to adversaries outside the vehicle.

“The Colombian NCO Corps is the model of professional leadership for Central and South America,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Olvera, U.S. Army South Command’s senior enlisted adviser.

The NCOs of the Colombian military are capable of stepping up and leading formations, just as NCOs in the U.S. military can, Olvera said.

This has given the Colombians the ability to not only fight and win from within their borders, but also to have fought side-by-side with U.S. forces in Iraq.

The Colombians have also been part of an ongoing humanitarian mission in Haiti ever since 2010’s devastating earthquake.

Colombian senior NCOs have been on a tour of Texas military bases, including Randolf and Lackland Air Force Bases, as well as attending NCO professional development schools at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

The Colombians were also joined by NCOs from Brazil.

This week, they will return to their home countries and disseminate the information they learned with their American partners.

• Date Taken: 11.02.2015
• Date Posted: 11.03.2015 15:21
• Story ID: 180769
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US