Commissioner(COL) Cenen Castillo, WHINSEC's Deputy Commandant - Police Affairs briefs members of 7th SF Group on WHINSEC, its capabilities and adjustments made to continue training during the pandemic.

Fostering Engagement amongst Army Team Members

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FL – A Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC) delegation, led by Commissioner (COL) Cenen Castillo, WHINSEC Deputy Commander for Police Affairs visited the 7th Special Forces Group (7SFG) on Sept 24, 2020.

CSM Marcos A. Perez Mena, WHINSEC International Command Sergeant Mayor, and Major Rogelio Mata, Director of the WHINSEC Faculty & Staff Development Center accompanied Castillo. Upon their arrival, COL Kevin Trujillo, Deputy Commander of the 7SFG, greeted them.

The purpose of the visit had several objectives. The primary reason for the visit was for the 7SFG members to learn more about the Security Forces of Panamá. Secondly, they discussed possible interoperability between the U.S. Special Forces and Panama counterparts. The third goal was to hear and understand how WHINSEC has adjusted to the pandemic training effects. The final objective to was to discuss how WHINSEC may be used as a resource, to offer technical capabilities, Spanish language immersion, and networking opportunities while at WHINSEC for students or instructors.

During the visit, Perez Mena, met with CSM Joffre Celleri, 2nd Bn 7th SFG battalion command sergeant major, to seek information regarding: planification for a crisis, organization of forces and employment of resources during a crisis, interagency coordination, and administration of international assistance.

Also in attendance was Mata who spoke about the Common Faculty Development - Instructor Course and how the 7SFG members may attend the course.

Overall, the WHINSEC team continued to further partnership capacity with 7SFG for future joint endeavors.