U.S. Army South Brig. Gen. Michael Eastridge, deputy commanding general arrives at the opening ceremony for Southern Vanguard 25 Exercise with U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and military forces from Argentina and Peru during Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Rosa Ibarra)

Peruvian Army Soldiers sing their national anthem during the opening ceremony for Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Danielle Dias)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 10th Mountain Division stand in formation during the opening ceremony for Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Danielle Dias)

Peruvian Coronel José Díaz Corrales arrives at the opening ceremony for Southern Vanguard 25 Exercise with U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and military force from Argentina and Peru during Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Rosa Ibarra)

Argentinian Army Coronel Mayor Pablo José Conforte, Comandante de la VI Brigada de Montaña del Ejrcito Argentino, arrives at opening ceremony for Southern Vanguard 25 Exercise with U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and military force from Argentina and Peru during Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Rosa Ibarra)

LOS ÁNGELES, Chile – Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 (ExSV25), a U.S. Army South (USARSOUTH)-led multilateral training exercise with the Chilean army, officially commenced Aug. 12, 2025 in Los Ángeles, Chile.

This year’s iteration marks a significant milestone in regional military cooperation, interoperability, and mutual readiness.

“The purpose of this exercise is to train mountain warfare capabilities, including survival, movement and combat in winter terrain as a combined unit,” said Chilean Army General de Brigada Claudio Marodones Petermann, 3rd Mountain Division Commander.

Chilean Army Forces host the opening ceremony for Southern Vanguard 25 Exercise with U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and military force from Argentina and Peru during Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile on August 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Rothwyn)

U.S. Army South Brig. Gen. Michael Eastridge, deputy commanding general, speaks to Soldiers with the 10th Mountain Division at the close of the opening ceremony for Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Rothwyn)

“Southern Vanguard 2025 not only represents the opportunity for the best training but also the opportunity for cooperation, strengthening interoperability, and recognition of Chile as a strategic player in mountain operations amongst close allied armies."

ExSV25 brings together light infantry company, battalion tactical command post, and approximately 300 combat enablers from both armies to execute a field training exercise and command post exercise in a demanding mountain environment.

Chilean Army Mountain Detachment No. 17 band performs during the opening ceremony for Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Rothwyn)

U.S. Army South Brig. Gen. Michael Eastridge, deputy commanding general shakes the hand of Chilean Army General de División Land Forces Commander Pedro Varela during the opening ceremony for Southern Vanguard 25 Exercise with U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and military force from Argentina and Peru during Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Rosa Ibarra)

Chilean Army Forces host the opening ceremony for Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 with U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and military forces from Argentina and Peru during Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Danielle Dias)

Chilean Army General de Brigada III Mountain Division Commander Claudio Mardones Petermann gives a briefing to military leaders assembled during the opening ceremony for Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Rothwyn)

The training includes combined operations designed to simulate real-world contingencies in complex terrain of the Andes Mountains in the Bio Bio Region of Southern Chile.

“It is a visible reminder of the strong bond between our countries,” said USARSOUTH deputy commanding general U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael J. Eastridge, emphasizing the importance of partnership, trust, and regional collaboration. “We are professional armies who share a commitment to democratic values, regional security, and cooperation in times of peace and crisis.”

U.S. Army South Brig. Gen. Michael Eastridge, deputy commanding general, Chilean Army General de División Land Forces Commander Pedro Varela Sabando and General de Brigada III Mountain Division Commander Claudio Mardones Petermann, pose for a photo during the opening ceremony for Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Rothwyn)

U.S. Army South Brig. Gen. Michael Eastridge, deputy commanding general, speaks to other military leaders during a briefing by Chilean Army General de Brigada III Mountain Division Commander Claudio Mardones Petermann at the opening ceremony for Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Rothwyn)

This year, Chile has invited regional partners Argentina and Peru to join the exercise, expanding the scope of multilateral training and reinforcing the growing spirit of regional unity.

“Your participation underscores the importance of regional cooperation and our shared commitment to mutual support,” Eastridge continued.

The exercise objectives are focused on enhancing combined staff operations, fires planning, and maneuver coordination through the Military Decision-Making Process while establishing a Chilean-led, combined task force and closing interoperability gaps in human, procedural, and technical domains.

Chilean Army Forces host the opening ceremony for Southern Vanguard 25 Exercise with U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and military force from Argentina and Peru during Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Rosa Ibarra)

Argentinian Army Coronel Mayor Pablo José Conforte, Comandante de la VI Brigada de Montaña del Ejrcito Argentino, Chilean Army General de División Land Forces Commander Pedro Varela Sabando, General de Brigada III Mountain Division Commander Claudio Mardones Petermann, and Argentinian Army Coronel Hector Gustavo Beretta, Agregado Militar de la Embajada de la República Argentina en Chile, pose for a photo during the opening ceremony for Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Rothwyn)

Peruvian Coronel José Díaz Corrales, Director de la Escuela de Montaña del Ejército del Perú, Chilean Army General de División Land Forces Commander Pedro Varela Sabando and General de Brigada III Mountain Division Commander Claudio Mardones Petermann, pose for a photo during the opening ceremony for Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Rothwyn)

“The exercise is not just about mountain warfare training, It is about building relationships, learning about other countries and forging friendships,” said Chilean Army General de Brigada Claudio Marodones Petermann, 3rd Mountain Division Commander.

“Now is the time to put our planning to the test and I fully trust in the professionalism, resilience and comradery of each of you. I am confident we will achieve the objectives of our exercise.

ExSV25, a U.S. Army-sponsored exercise will deploy U.S. Army Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion assets, the 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade, the 3rd Light Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division, the 207th Digital Liaison Detachment, 1st Mission Support Command, 35th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 841st Engineer Battalion Forward Support Company, the 138th Public Affairs Detachment, the 480th Medical Detachment, 807th Theater Medical Command, 256th Field Hospital and 919th Medical Company.

Chilean Army Mountain Detachment No. 17 band performs during the opening ceremony for Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sebastian Rothwyn)

“Chile and the United States share strong military ties, as shown by participation in Southern Star, Southern Fires, Panamax and Resolute Southern Star,” said Chilean Army General de Brigada Claudio Marodones Petermann, 3rd Mountain Division Commander.

“For mountain training the first bilateral mission was held in 2021, which provided key lessons learned for this current exercise.”

As part of the USARSOUTH interoperability framework, ExSV25 aims to build lasting capabilities across partner nations and prepare forces to respond collectively to regional threats.

Chilean Army Forces host the opening ceremony for Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 with U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and military forces from Argentina and Peru during Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 in Los Angeles, Chile, Aug. 11, 2025. Exercise Southern Vanguard 25 underscores the U.S. Army’s enduring commitment to regional partnership as U.S. forces deploy to Chile to conduct combined mountain warfare, field, and command post training alongside Chilean forces, with participation from Argentina and Peru - strengthening interoperability, shared readiness, and mutual trust while advancing regional security and cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Danielle Dias)

“To the soldiers preparing to train: this is your moment,” Eastridge concluded. “Whether you wear a U.S., Chilean, Argentine, or Peruvian uniform, remember that you represent more than your country. You represent a shared belief in freedom, service, and peace.”