US Army and Ecuadorian Special Forces Conduct Joint Air Assault Training

Soldiers and Airmen from the Kentucky National Guard participated in a four-day air assault training exchange with the Ecuadorian 9th Special Forces Brigade in August, as part of the Department of War National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program. The training aimed to build a better relationship with Ecuadorian special forces and share expertise in planning for air assault operations. The exchange consisted of six Soldiers and one Airman from the Kentucky National Guard, who briefed Ecuadorian service members on U.S. Air Assault operations and shared their perspectives on the battlefield.

Key Takeaways:

• The training exchange was part of the State Partnership Program, which facilitates regular training and information exchanges with 115 partner nations, including Ecuador, which joined in 1995.
• The program aims to foster enduring, cost-effective relationships between the United States and partner countries, increase regional security, and advance national interests and foreign policy goals.
• The Kentucky National Guard has participated in multiple SPP exchanges in Ecuador, with U.S. Air Force 1st Sgt. Oscar Cerna and U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Richardson serving as subject matter experts.
• The training covered topics such as planning for air assault operations, creating landing zones, maintaining security, and embarking and disembarking from rotary aircraft.
• The Ecuadorian special forces demonstrated a high level of professionalism, technical expertise, and enthusiasm for the training, with Ecuadorian Capt. Darwin Venegas stating that "the seeds of [the Kentucky National Guard's] knowledge have certainly been planted in fertile soil."
• The partnership has resulted in improved interoperability between the two nations, with Ecuadorian Col. Walter Machado stating that "having the United States here gives us strength."

Statistics:

• 6 Soldiers and 1 Airman from the Kentucky National Guard participated in the training exchange.
• 6 Soldiers from the Kentucky army National Guard and 1 Airman from the Kentucky Air National Guard held prior SPP exchanges in Ecuador.
• 115 partner nations are part of the State Partnership Program, including Ecuador, which joined in 1995.
• The program has facilitated regular training and information exchanges since its inception in 1993.
• $0 (no specific funding mentioned in the article)

Sources:

• U.S Army News Release
• Department of War National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program