MEXICO CITY (June 12, 2012) - Twelve U.S Army lieutenant generals met with Mexican Army counterparts to discuss issues that affect both armies during a May 30 executive seminar in Mexico City.
The U.S. delegation was led by Lt. Gen. William Troy, Director of the Army Staff. U.S. Army North, under the command of Lt. Gen William Caldwell IV, facilitated the meeting for the Americans, allowing U.S. military leaders from the Army Staff, Army Reserve, National Guard and several operational and training commands, to meet with Mexican generals from regional commands to discuss strategic issues.
Caldwell was excited about this historic meeting between the two groups as a meeting between this many senior army leaders from both nations has not happened in recent memory, he said.
"The simple fact that we all agreed to show up, and that we have the support of both of our armies is groundbreaking," Caldwell continued. "This shows a growing and shared interest in partnership between our two nations."
The executive seminar was originally requested by Gen. Guillermo Galván Galván, secretary of National Defense, Mexico, to discuss general strategic-level topics identified by both the U.S. and Mexico.
The American delegation first met up with their Mexican counterparts during a May 29 evening reception hosted by the Honorable Earl Anthony Wayne, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, at the ambassador's residence. Mexican and American translators facilitated small group discussions between the generals.
The following morning the Americans shared a short breakfast with the ambassador before departing for discussions at a Mexican army facility in Mexico City. The discussions were built around several different topics that affect both armies including leadership, national support for the overall army mission, and countering transnational criminal organizations. The meeting was limited to 3-star generals in an effort to eliminate distractions and keep the discussions more open between some of the two armies most senior leaders.
"There are major similarities between our Army and the Mexican army, like our long history of support to civilian authorities," Troy explained. "Our nations share a strong pride in our Soldiers, and our Soldiers are dedicated to completing the mission."
Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz Jr., then commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve, was encouraged by the Mexican generals' open nature and willingness to engage in discussion.
The biggest agreement between both nations was on the topic of trans-national criminal organizations. Stultz explained.
"We know that the problem cannot be solved by either of us, but only by both of us," Stultz said.
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Senior Army North, Mexican leaders visit U.S. capital to exchange insights, ideas
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