FORT HOOD, Texas — Leaders with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment hosted a delegation of Colombian military personnel from the Colombian Joint Forces Staff College Sept. 30.
Over the last few years the Colombian delegation has made it a point to visit the Great Place. This year, the group of Colombian military students began their visit touring the halls showcasing the history of the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen.
“It’s like a museum here. We have our history displayed throughout the building and it shows we are proud of our 173-year legacy,” Col. Ralph Overland, regimental commander said.
The Colombian leaders learned about the regiment’s storied history and its many great leaders such as George S. Patton, the 28th colonel of the regiment and Martin Dempsey, the 67th colonel of the regiment.
After taking the group through the halls and answering questions, the delegation gathered inside a conference room to receive a 30-minute briefing about the regiment’s force capabilities as a Stryker cavalry.
Many of the students were curious about the regiment’s change from an armored cavalry to a Stryker cavalry.
“It’s based on the needs of the Army and our force capabilities changed from a fighting platform to a troop-carrying vehicle,” Command Sgt. Maj. Kim Mendez, regimental senior advisor, explained.
After the briefing, the delegation was led outside to tour the different Stryker variants the regiment employs during combat operations.
Pfc. Michael Hill, a Mobile Gun System operator with 4th Squadron, participated in the exchange for the first time.
“It was pretty cool and a great experience. They were very interested in our systems and asked a lot of questions,” Hill said. “Having these visits helps to keep our partnerships strong.”
Colombian air force Brig. Gen. Luis Cordoba, commandant, CATAM air base, said he enjoyed the visit with the regiment and was glad the delegation could stop by.
“You have our admiration for the job that you do,” Cordoba said.
“Let’s keep working hard together,” Cordoba added about U.S. military forces working with Colombia.
Overland said the regiment is happy to support its allies and looks forward to hosting many more visits.
“It was a pleasure hosting our allies, building those relationships and sharing our traditions,” Overland said.
Date Taken: | 10.01.2019 |
Date Posted: | 10.01.2019 19:09 |
Story ID: | 345136 |
Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
Web Views: | 205 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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