Guatemalan and US Forces Train Together in Joint Exercise

Guatemalan Army Special Forces and Arkansas National Guardsmen have recently completed a joint training exercise at Fort Polk, Louisiana, as part of the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program between Arkansas and Guatemala. The partnership between Arkansas and Guatemala was established 24 years ago and has included numerous exchanges on training, aircraft maintenance, leadership, and unmanned aerial systems. However, this latest exercise marked a significant milestone in the relationship, as the two forces worked together side by side in a combat environment against a live opposition force. The Arkansas National Guard's 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team was joined by a company-sized unit of over 170 soldiers, led by Captain Jamie Newton. They were paired with approximately 30 Guatemalan soldiers to take on the opposition forces. The exercise provided an opportunity for the two forces to develop interoperability and learn from each other. Captain Newton noted that the experience reinforced the importance of professionalism, discipline, and teamwork, which can transcend language and cultural differences. The Arkansas National Guard also selected interpreters to participate in the exercise, helping to bridge language barriers and ensure mutual understanding in the heat of battle. Additionally, both militaries used hand signals to communicate intent and understanding if a translator wasn't available. The Guatemalan forces were attached to a multipurpose company to assist with scouting and reconnaissance operations against the opposition. They were tasked with being recon elements and detainee operations during the defense, and the forward assault platoon during the offensive culminating event. For Guatemalan Army Lieutenant Wesley Andrés Santo Ramírez, the opportunity to work alongside the US military was a highlight of his nine-year career. He stated that the objective of the exercise had been met, and that they would continue to strengthen their techniques and way of operating when integrating with the US military. Guatemalan Army Lieutenant Francis Cristóbal de León also participated in the exercise and noted that he learned the importance of logistics in modern warfare. He emphasized that logistics supplies all the personnel who are on the front lines of combat, and that if logistics don't arrive, then the units in the combat area have shortcomings when it comes to fighting and eliminating the enemy. The exercise demonstrated the evolving nature of warfare, particularly regarding the use of unmanned aerial systems or drones. Captain Newton concurred that the battlefield is changing, and that it's essential to adapt to the system that is happening at present. The joint exercise between Guatemalan and US forces has strengthened their interoperability and improved their ability to work with multinational partners. It has also made both forces better leaders and more adaptable warfighters.