Service members from Chile, Argentina, and the U.S. engaged in Southern Fenix 2024 from August 27 to September 5 to enhance interoperability and strengthen cooperation. This exercise marked the first U.S. Army-led deployment of the HIMARS artillery system in the region, showcasing military professionalism and collaborative training among approximately 700 troops.
From August 27 to September 5, 2024, the armies of Chile, Argentina, and the United States engaged in the Southern Fenix 2024 exercise, conducted in the northern Tarapacá region of Chile. This event aimed to enhance technical and procedural interoperability among the nations’ forces while emphasizing the importance of hemispheric cooperation. Miguel Navarro, a professor at Chile’s National Academy of Political and Strategic Studies, articulated the significance of the exercise by stating, “Southern Fenix reinforces U.S. interest and commitment to strengthening strategic ties with Chile and Argentina. The exercise recognizes both countries as reliable allies, sharing values as well as democratic interests and military professionalism, which is crucial.” Throughout the two-week period, approximately 700 participants practiced their tactical and technical interoperability through various training exercises, demonstrating a commendable level of precision. Notably, SF24 marked the debut of the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) under U.S. Army leadership in Latin America, establishing new collaborative warfare concepts with the Chilean Army. Colonel Charles Karels, U.S. Army South director of training and exercises, noted the significance of these collaborative efforts, stating, “Southern Fenix 24 is the first exercise of its kind for the U.S. Army in Latin America. The Chilean Army is an excellent partner; exercises like Southern Fenix provide opportunities for our U.S. Army forces to train with our most capable partners in the region.” The Southern Fenix 2024 exercise involved 200 U.S. soldiers from various units, including the 11th Airborne Division and the Texas and New York Army National Guards, alongside over 500 Chilean troops from the 6th Division and representatives from the Argentine Army. They engaged in combined operations such as jump infiltrations, field training exercises, aeromedical evacuations, and logistical deployments. The culminating event of SF24 featured a live-fire exercise, where HIMARS and the Chilean Light Artillery Rocket System (LARS) coordinated their operations, underscoring the strengths of military cooperation. Colonel Karels emphasized, “HIMARS deployments are commonplace in other theaters of operation. Training with this strategic asset with our Chilean partners is an important opportunity to increase our interoperability and our readiness for training and deployment.” Brigadier General Guillermo Altamirano, commander of the 6th Division of the Chilean Army, affirmed the value of the collaboration, stating, “The development of this exercise allowed us, together with the United States and Argentina, to utilize our knowledge and experience, enhancing our interoperability for joint tasks.” Guillermo Holzmann, a defense analyst and professor at the University of Valparaíso in Chile, noted the importance of exercises like Southern Fenix in enhancing logistical and operational capabilities in non-conventional scenarios, advocating for ongoing international cooperation in defense matters. During the closing ceremony, Major General Philip Ryan, commanding general of U.S. Army South, praised the exercise as a testament to the collective commitment to security and stability among participating nations, stating, “Southern Fenix has been more than a military exercise; it is a testament to the enduring partnership between our nations and our shared commitment to security and stability in this hemisphere.
The Southern Fenix 2024 exercise represents a significant milestone in military collaboration among Chile, Argentina, and the United States. This initiative is aimed not only at enhancing interoperability among these nations’ armed forces but also at reinforcing strategic ties in terms of shared democratic values and military professionalism. Such exercises prepare the troops for various operational scenarios, including humanitarian aid and disaster response, thus fostering a comprehensive defense capability across the regions involved.
The Southern Fenix 2024 exercise has successfully demonstrated the potential for enhanced military cooperation among the U.S., Chile, and Argentina. This initiative not only strengthens operational interoperability but also cultivates important strategic partnerships based on shared values and interests. The integration of new technologies and the variety of exercises conducted underscore the commitment of all participating nations to ensure increased readiness for future collaborative operations.
Original Source: dialogo-americas.com
