U.S. Army South coordinated a visit for a Chilean army intelligence delegation to visit Fort Hood, Texas, July 28 -- Aug. 8 during a military intelligence professional development exchange in combat intelligence operations at the tactical and operational level.
The purpose of the visit was to strengthen doctrine and operational capabilities, enhance interoperability between the United States and Chile, encourage intelligence sharing and to strengthen the Chilean army's ability to counter transnational threats.
"These types of engagements are very beneficial to us because they allow us to enhance our relationships with the members of the U.S. military while also improve our capabilities," said Chilean Capt. Cristian Lara, an instructor at the Military Intelligence Academy in Santiago, Chile.
Specifically, the two-week visit helped to familiarize the Chileans with U.S. Army techniques, tactics, and procedures for intelligence support at the tactical level brigade combat team military intelligence company.
"We wanted to get a better understanding of the U.S. intelligence doctrine and learn from the experiences in the recent conflicts," said Lara. "We would also like to learn how to apply those lessons learned to our own organic intelligence doctrine."
The event was one of several agreed to actions signed into accord during the 2013 U.S./Chile army-to-army staff talks.
"We have a great history with Chile and exchanges like this ensure we continue that relationship well into the future," said Maj. Miguel Bolivar, Military Intelligence Readiness Command.
During the visit to Fort Hood, staff members from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division gave the Chilean delegation presentations and demonstrations on various intelligence gathering techniques as well as demonstrations on intelligence gathering platforms such as the RQ-11 Raven unmanned aerial vehicle, the RQ-7 Shadow UAV and the MQ-1 Grey Eagle UAV.
The UAV presentations focused on the capabilities and limitations of the different platforms, specifically the human interaction needed to ensure success for each UAV mission.
Army South's mantra "strength through partnership" was exemplified throughout the exchange according to the participants.
"This experience has been very enriching," said Lara. "I, as the professor of the school of intelligence, will be able to take those lessons learned and apply them to different processes to compliment our intelligence structure into day-to-day activities."
Social Sharing