Tuesday January 29, 2013
What is it?
On behalf of the U.S. Army, U.S. Army South will host, at its headquarters at Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Texas, the Central American Regional Leaders’ Conference with senior army leaders and security forces from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama Jan. 28 to Feb. 1.
This conference provides an opportunity for military discussion between the respective armies and in Panama’s case, security forces. The conference seeks to promote regional efforts in order to mature relationships and increase interaction between partner nation forces. It also provides a venue suitable for open discussions where regional partners can present concerns and explore reasonable approaches in the areas of security, countering transnational threats and building partner nation capacity. 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, as a flexible, agile and responsible component command for U.S. Southern Command, executes several key leader and army-to-army engagements throughout the year. Key leader visits, professional exchange programs, and conducting various multinational exercises all help to nurture trust and collaboration.
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 and shaped with partner nation forces. Partner forces in the region have assisted in disaster relief, peacekeeping and combat operations. El Salvador deployed 11 rotations of soldiers to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Strengthening our relationships with the armies from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua and the security forces of Panama through this conference will have lasting effects on the peace and stability for the U.S. and in the region.
Resources:
Subscribe to STAND-TO! to learn about the U.S. Army initiatives.