US, Colombian army paratroopers successfully conclude DFE bilateral exercise

By JOSHUA TAECKENSAugust 6, 2021

U.S. Army and Colombian joint military paratroopers land, July 25, 2021, at Tolemaida Air Base, Colombia. The jump was part of a six-day Dynamic Force Employment airborne exercise, also known as Exercise Hidra II, between the U.S Army and Colombian joint military. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Taeckens)
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army and Colombian joint military paratroopers land, July 25, 2021, at Tolemaida Air Base, Colombia. The jump was part of a six-day Dynamic Force Employment airborne exercise, also known as Exercise Hidra II, between the U.S Army and Colombian joint military. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Taeckens)
(Photo Credit: Pfc. Joshua Taeckens)
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Colombian army soldier instructs U.S. Army medics assigned to 2nd battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division during a medical rehearsal, July 24, 2021, at Tolemaida Air Base, Colombia. The rehearsal was in preparation for the combined Dynamic Force Employment airborne exercise known as Exercise Hydra II. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Taeckens)
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Colombian army soldier instructs U.S. Army medics assigned to 2nd battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division during a medical rehearsal, July 24, 2021, at Tolemaida Air Base, Colombia. The rehearsal was in preparation for the combined Dynamic Force Employment airborne exercise known as Exercise Hydra II. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Taeckens)
(Photo Credit: Pfc. Joshua Taeckens)
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TOLEMAIDA AIR BASE, Colombia – U.S. and Colombian army paratroopers concluded a bilateral airborne training exercise July 30 with a demonstration of the tactical capabilities of the Colombian Army’s elite special forces unit, the Lanceros, at Tolemaida Air Base in Colombia.

The six-day U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and U.S. Army South bilateral Dynamic Force Employment exercise allowed for the rapid deployment of U.S. troops within the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility to respond to crises and support partner nations in the Western Hemisphere.

Over the course of the week, the two armies collectively trained on day and night airborne operations, a tactical field training exercise, medical evacuation procedures, a combat water survival course and engaged an obstacle course at the Lancero School.

U.S. Army and Colombian army paratroopers stand in front of the Lancero School air assault platform, July 30, 2021, at Tolemaida Air Base, Colombia. The U.S. and Colombian armies exchanged airborne badges during the closing ceremony of the six-day Dynamic Force Employment airborne exercise, also known as Exercise Hidra II, between the U.S Army and Colombian joint military. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Taeckens)
U.S. Army and Colombian army paratroopers stand in front of the Lancero School air assault platform, July 30, 2021, at Tolemaida Air Base, Colombia. The U.S. and Colombian armies exchanged airborne badges during the closing ceremony of the six-day Dynamic Force Employment airborne exercise, also known as Exercise Hidra II, between the U.S Army and Colombian joint military. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Joshua Taeckens) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Joshua Taeckens) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Lancero School was established by U.S. Army Ranger, and recent Medal of Honor recipient, then-Capt. Ralph Puckett, who earned gallantry for his combat during the Korean War.

Brig. Gen. William L. Thigpen, U.S. Army South commanding general, and Gen. Eduardo Enrique Zapateiro, Colombian army commander, observed the paratroopers take part of the combined airborne jump on the first day of the exercise.

“General Thigpen and I are in the field today, working hard to develop this training and be completely interoperable,” Zapatiero said. “We are going to put in practice all the distinct skills and capabilities that make a great soldier.”

The trip to Colombia marked Thigpen’s first to an Army South partner nation since his assumption of command on June 30, 2021, and provided him an opportunity to see firsthand the operational and tactical capabilities of the Colombian army.

“We want to thank both General Zapateiro and the Colombian Army for hosting us,” Thigpen said. “This Dynamic Force Employment is critical in demonstrating readiness with the U.S. and Colombian Army.”

As SOUTHCOM’s Joint Forces Land Component Command, Army South conducts security cooperation operations and activities with partner nation Armies in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility in order to strengthen regional security and counter threats in support of a networked defense of the homeland. Through previous agreements at the conclusion of staff talks between the two armies, Army South staff planned, coordinated, synchronized and executed the DFE; with the 82nd Airborne Division serving as the operational unit of the exercise.

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(CAPTION) (Photo Credit: Pfc. Joshua Taeckens) VIEW ORIGINAL

U.S. Army jumpmaster and platoon sergeant for Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Capen reflected on the efficiency of the Colombian paratroopers with whom he trained and jumped.

“One of my favorite things to see was how similar their military and our military operate,” Capen said. “Another thing was, from a technological standpoint, is they don’t utilize the newest and most advanced equipment, but they are still very proficient in how they operate tactically. It was neat to see.”

The positive impression of the Colombian military echoed throughout the ranks of U.S. paratroopers who took part in the exercise, as they were impacted by the various training events and cultural exchanges during the week.

At the closing ceremony, Lt. Col. David Webb, 2-501st Battalion commander, expressed his gratitude and respect for the military participants from the Colombian army who took part in the Dynamic Force Employment exercise.

U.S. Army paratrooper Lt. Col. David Webb, commander of 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, speaks at the closing ceremony of a Dynamic Force Employment airborne exercise with the joint Colombian military, July 30, 2021, at Tolemaida Air Base, Colombia. The DFE, a six-day combined training exercise also known as Exercise Hidra II, included day and night airborne operations, a tactical field training exercise, medical evacuation procedures, a combat water survival course and a combat obstacle course at the Colombian special forces Lancero School.
U.S. Army paratrooper Lt. Col. David Webb, commander of 2nd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, speaks at the closing ceremony of a Dynamic Force Employment airborne exercise with the joint Colombian military, July 30, 2021, at Tolemaida Air Base, Colombia. The DFE, a six-day combined training exercise also known as Exercise Hidra II, included day and night airborne operations, a tactical field training exercise, medical evacuation procedures, a combat water survival course and a combat obstacle course at the Colombian special forces Lancero School.
(Photo Credit: Pfc. Joshua Taeckens)
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“The Colombian military is the best partner force that I’ve worked with in 18 years,” Webb said. “I pray for peace, but I’m always ready for war. If I do have to fight a war, I would be proud to serve with each and every one of you.”