U.S. Army South and Central American Commanders' Conference

By USARSO for STAND-TO!March 12, 2011

U.S. Army South and Central American Commanders' Conference

What is it'

U.S. Army South will host Central American commanders from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, March 14 - 17, 2011. The Central American Commanders' Conference provides an opportunity for military discussion between the respective armies. The conference seeks to promote regional efforts in order to mature military relationships, and increase interaction between partner nation armies. It also provides a venue suitable for open discussions where regional partners can present concerns and explore reasonable approaches in the areas of security and illicit trafficking. The overall objective of the conference is to promote peace and stability in Central America through mutual understanding, partnership, and cooperation.

What has the Army done'

U.S. Army South has participated in or hosted numerous senior leader conferences with armies from Central and South America and Caribbean nations. The open discussion that takes place in these conferences facilitates cooperative action among the region's nations. The meetings have been instrumental in strengthening professional relationships and collaboration between the respective armies, which has contributed to stability in the region.

What efforts does the Army have planned for the future'

U.S. Army South executes several key leader and army-to-army engagements throughout the year. Key leader visits, professional exchange programs, and the presence of partner and liaison officers assigned to the headquarters all help to nurture trust and collaboration. Key leader engagements this year include visits by army commanders from Chile and Colombia, as well as engagements by senior partner nation leaders inside of our annual exercises. This year U.S. Army South hosted Army Staff Talks with Colombia and will hold talks with Brazil, Chile and El Salvador later in the year.

Why is this important to the Army'

The U.S. Army's capabilities in the region and elsewhere are greatly influenced by the relationships forged with partner nation armies. Partner armies in the region have assisted in disaster relief and continue to support combat operations. El Salvador deployed 11 rotations of soldiers to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2009. Increasing partner nation capabilities at home and in global multinational operations is enormously beneficial to U.S. and world interests. Strengthening our relationships with the armies from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua through this conference will have lasting effects on the peace and stability of the region.

Resources:

<a href="http://www.usarso.army.mil/" target="_blank">US Army South</a>

Related STAND-TO!: <a href=" http://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2011/02/01/" target="_blank"> U.S. Army and Colombian Army Staff Talks</a>