To increase the level of training for operations in cold climates, a detachment from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Infantry Regiment, and the 1st Marine Division of the U.S. conducted mountain maneuvers in cold weather alongside members of the Chilean Marine Corps.
During the exercise, which took place from July 22 to August 2, participants from both countries engaged in a variety of training activities and exchanged tactics, techniques, and procedures, demonstrating mutual trust and commitment to defense between the two nations.
Set against the natural backdrop of Punta Arenas, one of the southernmost cities in the world, the training readiness of the Chilean marines is highly valued by the U.S. Marines. In this regard, GySgt. Luis Alvarado, in charge of one of the participating units, stated, “It was an exercise in building cohesion between both forces to establish a stronger relationship, as well as training in cold weather.”
On the other hand, Sergeant Ethan Williams, a machine gunner, mentioned that they had “conducted shooting exercises and maneuvers, including a march through Mount Tarn—70 km south of Punta Arenas—training with night vision optical systems, and land navigation.”
It is worth noting that this event precedes the 65th edition of the multinational UNITAS exercise, which will take place in Chile in September and will incorporate a range of combined task force operations. During the period of UNITAS, the 1st Battalion of the 24th Marine Regiment will conduct an additional cold-weather exercise with their Chilean counterparts, complementing the recently held bilateral exercises Pacific Dagger 2024 and FTX Invernal 2024.
Image credits: U.S. Department of Defense
You may also like: Through the signing of new agreements, the governments of Chile and Brazil are boosting their collaboration in space affairs
