SPMAGTF-SC conducts ECC rehearsal in Belize

BELMOPAN, BELIZE

07.15.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. Frans Labranche 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South

Members of multiple nations’ and embassy personnel were treated to a demonstration of the Marines’ evacuation control procedures which would be used in the case that the MAGTF is called upon to react to a natural disaster in Central America. Observers included officers from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Belize and the Chares D’Affaires of the US Embassy here, Deborrah Lingwood.
Important to SPMAGTF-SC is not only that they stand by in case of a disaster in the Central American, Carribean Sea, and South American area, but that members of the staff hail from some of those countries.
The Deputy Commander of the unit is from the Colombian Marine Corps where he has served in many positions that give a unique perspective of the climate and the differences between the countries responses and how they are similar.
“The methods are very similar,” said Lt. Col. Erick Del Rio. “But we don’t have the same assets, so our operations (in Colombia) are restricted to our population in our country. The Marines here train for this from the theory in their mind and they bring that to the field for a good performance.”
The US and the nations of Central and South America have a long history of training together, frequently swapping personnel to learn about one another’s unique environments and procedures.
“We have a lot in common between us, our doctrine is very similar,” Capt. Jorge Keitel, a SPMAGTF-SC operations officer from Chile. “I studied the same planning procedure when I was younger.”
The operation of an evacuation control center occurs when removing civilians from harm’s way, such as when a strong hurricane is likely to make landfall in an area with little means to evacuate local populations.
“This was my first time seeing an exercise like this through fruition,” said Keitel. “It was interesting to see how the procedures worked through the embassy. The notional evacuees were met, registered, interviewed and escorted to the helicopters by Marines. It was very professional.”
Before deploying to the SOUTHCOM operational area, the Marines trained and practiced this operation in the US, learning everything from identifying civilians that need a little extra assistance to detaining those that would take advantage of a community in dire straits.
“The Marines have trained hard for this.” Del Rio said. “They are confident and know exactly how to treat people, especially those injured or afraid. They know how to give the support those people need in a crisis situation.
The commanding officer of the SPMAGTF-SC echoed those sentiments and believes the unit is ready for real world scenarios.
“The Marines did, frankly, an exceptional job. They knew exactly what they had to do. Everybody from all of the elements, including the partner nations all worked together very effectively,” said Col. Michael Oppenheim, SPMAGTF-SC commander.
The SPMAGTF will continue to keep a weather eye on the horizon for natural disasters and stand ready to effect real assistance in their nations’ neighborhoods.
“It is critical to have partner nations embedded in our formation. They speak the language, they are familiar with the culture, they know the operating environment and the politics, and they are our military peers,” Oppenheim said. “They bring something to the table activily contributing and collectively we benefit from a shared contribution sacrifice and execution. We can’t do that alone, we’ve got to continue working with our partner nations in a meaningful way.”

• Date Taken: 07.15.2018
• Date Posted: 08.19.2018 17:46
• Story ID: 284613
• Location: BELMOPAN, BZ