Lol, I very well know the location of this Picture. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia, Villa de Leyva in the Department of Boyaca. Its an old colonial spanish town in the midle of the Andes Mountains. Very nice weather, food and people. It has come one of the most touristic towns in Colombia.
 
FB_IMG_1670127717124.webp
 
This is how rescue soldiers from the Engineering Command prepare in the Basic Air Assault Course to strengthen their capabilities in airborne operations and insertion and extraction of personnel in hard-to-reach places.

EJC-CSAR-ING001.webp


EJC-CSAR-ING002.webp


EJC-CSAR-ING003.webp


EJC-CSAR-ING004.webp
 
Between July 30 and August 2, the Multinational Strategic Exercise Hydra III will be conducted, involving soldiers from the Counter-Narcotics and Transnational Threats Command and troops from ARSOUTH, to maintain a high level of operational readiness ensuring successful operation development.

For the third time in history, the Binational Strategic Exercise Hydra III will be held at the Tolemaide Military Fort, where alongside members of ARSOUTH from the United States Army, the operational capabilities of the troops will be strengthened.

The exchange of knowledge between the armies of the two nations aims to demonstrate the professionalism of the troops of both countries, sharing knowledge in doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures.

COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III001.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III002.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III003.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III004.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III005.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III006.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III007.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III008.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III009.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III010.webp
 
HYDRA III Multinational Strategic Exercise.

Exercise Objectives:

Strengthening Alliances: Promote cooperation and interoperability between the United States and Colombian armed forces.

Combat Training: Combat simulation exercises in different terrains and conditions.

Joint Operations: Coordination in rescue operations, assaults on high-value targets, and crisis management.

Featured Activities:Advanced Tactics Training: Combat maneuvers, infiltration and exfiltration in hostile terrain

.Parachuting Practices: Jumps in various weather conditions and altitudes.

Rescue Simulations: Hostage rescue exercises and personnel extraction in high-risk areas.

Knowledge Exchange: The HYDRA III exercise strengthens the joint response capacity to transnational threats and improves the preparation of both nations to face global security challenges.
COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III009.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III010.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III011.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III012.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III013.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III014.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III015.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III016.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III017.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III018.webp


COL-Multinational-Strategic-Exercise-Hydra-III019.webp
 

US, Colombian paratroopers conduct airborne rehearsals for exercise HYDRA III 2024​

TOLEMAIDA, COLOMBIA​

07.29.2024

U.S. Army paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division and the Colombian army’s Battalion of Counter Narcotics (BACN1) prepare to exit the mock C-130 Hercules aircraft for joint sustained airborne training during exercise HYDRA III 24 (HYDRA 24), July 29, 2024, at Fuerte Militar de Tolemaida, Colombia. HYDRA 24 is a bi-lateral exercise between the U.S. and Colombian armies aimed at enhancing the technical, procedural, and human interoperability between the two airborne forces and demonstrating the ability to strategically employ forces in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

240729-A-DH023-2185.webp


240729-A-DH023-3440.webp


240729-A-DH023-5193.webp


240729-A-DH023-5448.webp


240729-A-DH023-6522.webp


240729-A-DH023-7173.webp


240729-A-DH023-7431.webp


240729-A-DH023-8990.webp


240730-A-TN552-1002.webp


240730-A-TN552-1004.webp


240730-A-TN552-1016.webp


240730-A-TN552-1018.webp


240730-A-TN552-1019.webp


240731-A-DH023-2720.webp
 

US, Colombian Paratroopers jump in to HYDRA III​

FUERTE MILITAR DE TOLEMAIDA, COLOMBIA​

08.01.2024​


Paratroopers from Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, descend during a combined airborne operation at Fuerte Militar de Tolemaida, Colombia, during HYDRA III 24 (HYDRA 24), July 30, 2024. HYDRA 24 is a bi-lateral exercise between the U.S. and Colombian armies aimed at enhancing the technical, procedural, and human interoperability between the two airborne forces, demonstrating the ability to strategically employ forces in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

240729-A-LJ633-1001.webp


240729-A-LJ633-1004.webp


240729-A-LJ633-1007.webp


240729-A-LJ633-1009.webp


240729-A-LJ633-1010.webp


240729-A-LJ633-1020.webp


240729-A-LJ633-1032.webp


240731-A-LJ633-1059.webp


240731-A-LJ633-1077.webp


240731-A-LJ633-1100.webp


240731-A-LJ633-1107.webp


240731-A-LJ633-1109.webp


240731-A-LJ633-1131.webp


240731-A-LJ633-1263.webp


240731-A-LJ633-1267.webp


240801-A-LJ633-1764.webp
 

Colombian, 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers conduct final multinational jump during​

HYDRA III​

FUERTE MILITAR DE TOLEMAIDA, COLOMBIA​

08.01.2024​


Colombian army paratroopers from Battalion of Counter Narcotics (BACN1 and U.S. Army paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, wish each other well before their final jump during HYDRA III 24 (HYDRA 24) at Fuerte Militar de Tolemaida, Colombia, Aug. 1, 2024. HYDRA 24 is a bi-lateral exercise between the U.S. and Colombian armies aimed at enhancing the technical, procedural, and human interoperability between the two airborne forces and demonstrating the ability to strategically employ forces in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.


240801-A-TN552-1008.webp
240801-A-TN552-1011.webp
240801-A-TN552-1018.webp
240801-A-TN552-1031.webp
240801-A-TN552-1045.webp
240801-A-TN552-1056.webp
240801-A-TN552-1063.webp
240801-A-TN552-1082.webp
240801-A-TN552-1087.webp
240801-A-TN552-1106.webp
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Colombian, US paratroopers conduct combined assault during HYDRA 24 Exercise​


U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, and soldiers assigned to the Colombian Army, Battalion of Counter Narcotics (BACN1) provide perimeter security control to complete a combined assault during HYDRA 24 at Fuerte Militar de Tolemaida, Colombia, July 31, 2024. HYDRA 24 is a bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Colombian armies aimed at enhancing the technical, procedural, and human interoperability between the two airborne forces and demonstrating the ability to strategically employ forces in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

240730-A-LJ633-1005.webp


240731-A-LJ633-1042.webp


240731-A-LJ633-1196.webp


240731-A-LJ633-1127.webp


240731-A-TN552-1002.webp


240731-A-TN552-1004.webp


240731-A-TN552-1007.webp


240731-A-TN552-1009.webp


240731-A-TN552-1012.webp
 

82nd Airborne Division, Colombian paratroopers exchange wings at HYDRA III closing ceremony​

FUERTE MILITAR DE TOLEMAIDA, COLOMBIA.​

08.01.2024​


U.S. Army paratroopers from 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, and Colombian army paratroopers from the Battalion of Counter Narcotics 1 (BACN1), bid each other farewell after the wing exchange ceremony for HYDRA III 24 (HYDRA 24) at Fuerte Militar de Tolemaida, Colombia, Aug. 31, 2024. HYDRA 24 is a bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Colombian armies aimed at enhancing the technical, procedural, and human interoperability between the two airborne forces and demonstrating the ability to strategically employ forces in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.


240801-A-TN552-2021.webp


240801-A-TN552-2037.webp


240801-A-TN552-2045.webp


240801-A-TN552-2057.webp


240801-A-TN552-2062.webp


240801-A-TN552-2077.webp


240801-A-TN552-2099.webp


240801-A-TN552-2102.webp
 

Colombia: NATO's valued non-member partner in the Western Hemisphere and beyond​


Colombia-NATO.webp


While not a NATO member, Colombia is increasingly viewed as a key global partner for the 32-nation Alliance and U.S. combatant commands like U.S. European Command (USEUCOM), U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) and U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM).

Exercises and Partnerships

STUTTGART, GERMANY-- As a major non-NATO U.S. Ally, Colombia has actively participated in various NATO exercises and operations, strengthening interoperability and cooperation with Allied forces. Recently, Colombia demonstrated its commitment to collaborating with like-minded nations worldwide by participating in the U.S. Department of Defense-led and U.S. European Command-coordinated Large Scale Global Exercise (LSGE), demonstrating its commitment to the shared values of freedom and security.

"Through our active involvement with NATO Allies and partners around the world, Colombia demonstrates its strong desire to foster relationships beyond the Western Hemisphere and its commitment to stability and security efforts,” said Colombian Army Brig. Gen. Carlos Enrique Carrasquilla Gomez, Senior Coalition Activities Advisor, Exercises and Coalition Affairs, U.S. Southern Command. “Colombia and its military forces are committed to supporting global peace efforts under the principles of Western democracy, with our government prioritizing the protection of life as its highest objective."

LSGE 24 incorporated nearly 30 wide-ranging exercises and military activities to highlight America’s robust presence and capabilities alongside Allies, partners and fellow U.S. combatant commands.

Within the framework of LSGE, exercises like USSOUTHCOM's Tradewinds and Resolute Sentinel play a crucial role. These exercises focus on countering transnational threats and enhancing regional security cooperation with partners in Latin America and the Caribbean, an effort of critical importance in today's interconnected world as events in one region can quickly impact nations across the globe.

Notably, key NATO Allies such as Canada, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom also participate in these exercises alongside Colombia. This collaboration allows for the sharing of best practices, fine-tuning militaries’ ability to operate as one, and the strengthening of operational capabilities to effectively address common security challenges.

This year, NATO’s Allied Special Operations Forces Command certified Colombian Special Forces during USSOUTHCOM’s Fused Response in which they used the NATO special operations planning process and tactics, techniques and procedures. This certification highlights the interoperability and readiness of Colombian Special Forces to operate alongside NATO Allies, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards set by the Alliance for conducting complex and dynamic security missions

Colombia's efforts to enhance security within its borders contribute to regional stability, which in turn benefits European security by disrupting transnational criminal networks and curbing the flow of illegal drugs and other illicit goods to Europe.

Support to Ukraine

Much like Japan in the Far East, Colombia in the Western Hemisphere has demonstrated its commitment to global security by providing non-lethal military aid to Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. This assistance includes items such as helmets, bulletproof vests and night vision goggles, underscoring Colombia's solidarity with Ukraine and its support for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Colombia’s contributions to Ukraine, combined with international efforts to blunt an autocratic leader’s attempts to erase a sovereign country, demonstrates the strength of partnership and cohesive resolve toward global peace, stability and freedom

Space Military Integration

Colombia is an emerging space partner to the U.S. and recognizes the importance of space capabilities to its military operations. In 2021, USPACECOM and the Colombian Air Force signed a space situational awareness information-sharing agreement to promote greater safety and stability in the space domain, a prime example of the nation’s effort to expand space cooperation.

In 2024, Colombia participated in USSPACECOM’s Global Sentinel capstone event alongside participants from 25 nations to strengthen and grow international partnerships, deepen integration, and strengthen interoperability through exercises focused on space situational awareness and command and control.

Expanding space cooperation and deepening integration among nations with a shared commitment to the responsible uses of space increases collective security in all domains.

Colombia has been a steadfast military partner with the U.S. for many decades and recently completed a bilateral Space Capabilities Alignment Conference with the U.S., where both nations engaged in high-level discussions on space domain awareness and explored avenues for future collaboration in space-related initiatives.

Additionally, USEUCOM, USSOUTHCOM and USSPACECOM are working closely with Colombia and other Allied and partner nations in building an operational space coalition of countries in the Western Hemisphere that are closely aligned with NATO through space domain operations.


Colombia's contributions to global security, its participation in multinational exercises, and its commitment to space collaboration underscore its importance as a key partner for USEUCOM, USSOUTHCOM, USSPACECOM and NATO. The strong partnership among Colombia and these organizations plays a vital role in maintaining regional and global stability, countering transnational threats and promoting international cooperation.

This featured story was written in collaboration with U.S. European Command, U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Space Command, NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and NATO Allied Special Operations Forces Command.
 

US and Colombian Paratroopers Conduct Combined Airborne Operation during HYDRA 24​


To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Colombian army paratroopers assigned to Battalion of Counter Narcotics (BACN1) and U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, conduct night and early morning combined airborne jumps at Fuerte Militar de Tolemaida, Colombia, during HYDRA III 24 (HYDRA 24) on July 30, 2024. HYDRA 24 is a bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Colombian armies aimed at enhancing the technical, procedural, and human interoperability between the two airborne forces and demonstrating the ability to strategically employ forces in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.
 

OPERATION HYDRA III 2024 US and Colombian Paratroopers Combat Together.​


To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

FUERTE MILITAR DE TOLEMAIDA, COLOMBIA
07.31.2024


U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, and paratroopers from Colombian army’s Battalion of Counter Narcotics (BACN1), collaborate in a joint assault exercise during HYDRA III 24 (HYDRA 24) at Fuerte Militar de Tolemaida, Colombia, July 31, 2024. HYDRA 24 is a bilateral exercise between the U.S. and Colombian armies aimed at enhancing the technical, procedural, and human interoperability between the two airborne forces and demonstrating the ability to strategically employ forces in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.
 
CARTAGENA, Colombia (Aug. 5, 2024) Sailors and Soldiers, assigned to Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10), watch as the ship arrives in Cartagena, Colombia as part of Continuing Promise 2024. Continuing Promise 2024 is a fundamental mission in U.S. Southern Command’s Enduring Promise initiative, which is focused on increasing partner nation capacity and interoperability in the region and reflects the United States’ enduring promise of friendship, partnership, and solidarity with the Americas.

USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10.webp
 
US & COLOMBIAN ARMY MULTINATIONAL AIRBORNE JUMP HYDRA III

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.



FUERTE MILITAR DE TOLEMAIDA, COLOMBIA07.30.2024

Colombian army paratroopers from Battalion of Counter Narcotics (BACNA1) and US Paratroopers from Apache Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, conduct night and early morning multinational airborne jumps at Fuerte Militar de Tolemaida, Colombia, during HYDRA III 24 (HYDRA 24) on July 30, 2024. HYDRA 24 is a bi-lateral exercise between the U.S. and Colombian armies aimed at enhancing the technical, procedural, and human interoperability between the two airborne forces and demonstrating the ability to strategically employ forces in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.
 
1723578676980.webp

* ...yes, dear, here on vacation...jumping from planes that we already have in a museum there... 😒
 
Colombian Army opens a new process for the purchase of 9,000 rifles for its special forces.
The objective of the project is to reequip its Special Forces with a new, light and reliable weapon


DD-MK-18-Foto-Infodefensa-com.webp



Source in Spanish
 
Colombian Army opens a new process for the purchase of 9,000 rifles for its special forces.
The objective of the project is to reequip its Special Forces with a new, light and reliable weapon


View attachment 492608


Source in Spanish


Right now there are currently 4 processes underway for the acquisition of weapons:

1. Process to acquire up to a total of 1,414 60 mm commando-type mortars (recently opened)

2. Process to acquire up to 9,621 rifles for the armed forces (supposedly they should be MK18s... recently opened process)

3. A process to acquire up to 1,134 9mm GLOCK 17 Gen.5 pistols (recently opened)

4. A process to acquire up to 1,200 M-249 machine guns (recently opened)The documents do not specify whether all the weapons will be acquired in their entirety or in batches... most likely it will be in batches
 

Similar threads

Back
Top