As part of the bilateral exercise “Southern Fenix 24,” personnel from the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG) of the U.S., together with medical staff from the Chilean Army, conducted joint maneuvers under the State Partnership Program. These maneuvers involved triage tasks and first aid operations, as well as aeromedical evacuation (MEDEVAC) using UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.
The U.S. medical team, consisting of 11 personnel, worked alongside their Chilean counterparts to establish a joint medical clinic at the “Pozo Almonte” Military Camp. This clinic provides immediate medical care to the participants of Southern Fenix 24, ensuring that the exercises are conducted safely. In this context, Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Milling of TXARNG, a medical officer assigned to the Texas Medical Detachment, 71st Troop Command, stated, “We really want to build a relationship and a bond with the Chilean Army, and more specifically with their medical team.” She added, “We have been truly impressed with the way the Chileans operate and look forward to continuing to exchange knowledge and different techniques.”
Medical support for combat operations is a key focus during Southern Fenix 2024. In this edition, the U.S. medical detachment deployed a total of 11 personnel, including doctors and soldiers with various specialties, such as medical assistants, nurses, and combat health specialists.
These personnel are part of the total 200 individuals from US Army South, the 11th Airborne Division, the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, the 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade, Joint Task Force Bravo, the Joint Communications Support Element, the Texas Army National Guard, the Utah Army National Guard, the New York National Guard, linguistic support, and the Inter-American Air Forces Academy.
Southern Fenix 24 aims to “…enhance technical and procedural interoperability between the Chilean and U.S. armies, while fostering stronger hemispheric cooperation and collaboration. The activities conducted during SF24 align with SOUTHCOM’s Campaign Plan and the U.S. National Defense Strategy, contributing to the broader goal of strengthening security and defense alliances across the region…”
Image credits: U.S. Southern Command
You may also like: The Chilean Marine Infantry and the U.S. Marines conducted combined exercises in cold weather
