A Test of Skill and Solidarity: Fuerzas Comando 2025

Sixteen special operations teams from Central, South America, and the Caribbean competed in Fuerzas Comando 2025 (FC25), a U.S. Southern Command- (SOUTHCOM) sponsored event in El Salvador, August 18-29, 2025. This annual event tests participants’ skills, promotes interoperability and military-to-military relationships, and strengthen regional cooperation through training and friendly competition. The following images are a sample of some of the activities. Salvadoran parachuters present each competitor’s nations flag during the Opening Ceremony of FC25, in Ilopango, El Salvador, August 19, 2025. (Photo: Specialist José Díaz-Ramos/Special Operations Command South)

Panamanian special operations team lift a simulated casualty during the Combined Assault Event of FC25 in Ilopango, El Salvador, August 25, 2025. (Photo: U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant Elena M. Torres Rivera)

A Honduran special operations team aims at targets during an assaulter stage at FC25 in Ilopango, El Salvador, August 23, 2025. (Photo: U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Jean Martínez)

A Belizean special operations team member scans for targets during a sniper stage of FC25 at Ilopango, El Salvador, August 21, 2025. (Photo: U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant Hassani Ribera)

Ecuadorian special operations team members sprint to a firing position during a sniper stage of FC25 at Ilopango, El Salvador, August 22, 2025. (Photo: U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant Hassani Ribera)

Dominican special operations team members drop their spare ammunition after completing the Combined Assault Event of FC25 at Ilopango, El Salvador, August 25, 2025. (Photo: U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant Elena M. Torres Rivera)

Chilean competitors run toward the finish line as Salvadoran service members cheer during the Physical Fitness event of FC25 at Ilopango, El salvador, August 18, 2025. (Photo: U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant Felix Ortiz Rivera)

The competition featured an aquatic challenge in which special forces demonstrated their discipline, skills, and commitment. (Photo: Press Secretary of the Presidency of El Salvador/X)

Winners of FC25, Colombia, Mexico, and El Salvador, stand proudly on the podiums at the conclusion of the event. (Photo: Colombian Military Forces/X)