In early February 2021, Uruguayan Army Lieutenant Colonel Ana Lucas assumed the post of commander of the Florida Battalion, becoming the first woman to command an infantry unit in the history of the Uruguayan Army. She stands out in her professional career as a paratrooper, as well as for her [ … ]
A Conversation With
Brazilian General Talks about His Role as Deputy Commander for Interoperability at U.S. Army South
Brazilian Army Major General Alcides Valeriano de Faria Junior serves as the deputy commanding general for Interoperability at U.S. Army South (ARSOUTH). This is the second time that a general officer from a partner nation holds this position. Only four countries (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Peru) participate in this rotation, [ … ]
Never Leave Without Accomplishing the Mission
As a rescue firefighter, she feels very proud to wear her uniform and represent the Guatemalan Army’s Humanitarian Rescue Battalion. She feels committed to giving her all and accomplishing her mission, since her greatest satisfaction as a rescuer is saving lives and mitigating the effects of disasters. This is Master [ … ]
Army Corps of Engineers Second Lieutenant Excels in Disaster Relief Efforts in Guatemala
During Independence Day festivities in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, little Wendy watched as the students of the Instituto Adolfo V. Hall de Occidente (a military secondary school), wore their dress uniforms and marched with great discipline. From that moment on, her interest in military life grew. When she would accompany her father [ … ]
Brazilian Air Force Promotes First Woman to General Officer Rank
Doctor Carla Lyrio Martins is the first woman to rise to the rank of general officer in the Brazilian Air Force (FAB, in Portuguese). She was promoted to brigadier general on November 25, 2020. Born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brig. Gen. Carla Lyrio is married with two children, and [ … ]
Brazilian Navy’s Blue Helmets Conclude Work at UNIFIL
In 1978, armed commandos of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) attacked Israeli citizens, causing many deaths, and leaving many injured. In response to these criminal acts, the Israel Defense Forces invaded Lebanon to counterattack PLO strongholds, whose members were taking refuge and had operational bases in the southern part of [ … ]
Peruvian Armed Forces Target Microtrafficking
Interview with Army General César Augusto Astudillo Salcedo, commander of the Peruvian Armed Forces’ Joint Command. Diálogo: How has the coronavirus pandemic affected the activities of illicit trafficking? Are there any new illicit routes in your country? Army General César Augusto Astudillo Salcedo, commander of the Peruvian Armed Forces’ Joint Command: [ … ]
First Female Force Sergeant Major in Jamaica Inducted into WHINSEC’s Hall of Fame
Master Chief Petty Officer Class One Audrey Christie was the first female to be appointed Force Sergeant Major (FSM) in the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), on August 1, 2020. During her military career, Master Chief Petty Officer Christie attended and completed several courses, including the Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Professional Development [ … ]
Brazilian Air Force Officer Takes On Deputy Director Role at U.S. Southern Command
In late January 2020, upon bidding farewell to faculty and students of the Brazilian Air Force Academy, where he acted as commandant, Major General David Almeida Alcoforado knew that it also meant saying goodbye to his country, as he was about to assume the role of deputy director of Strategy, [ … ]
Colombia Moves Forward Decisively in the Fight Against Narcotrafficking
Since taking up the reins of government, President Iván Duque has established among his priorities a head-on fight against narcotrafficking, against all the links in the criminal chain that are a source of financing for illegal organizations that bring violence and destruction to Colombian territories. As the president has explained, [ … ]
Guatemala Strengthens Fight Against Narcotrafficking
Diálogo interviewed Guatemalan Defense Minister General Juan Carlos Alemán Soto. Diálogo: How has the pandemic affected illicit trafficking activities? Are there any new illicit routes in your country? Guatemalan Defense Minister General Juan Carlos Alemán Soto:During the current pandemic in Guatemala we have seen a reduction in narcotrafficking activities; however, there [ … ]
Costa Rica Keeps up Fight against Narcotrafficking
Costa Rican Ministry of Public Security Michael Soto Rojas took part in the Central American Security Conference (CENTSEC) 2020, which was held virtually for the first time, on July 14. Diálogo spoke with Minister Soto about the conference and Costa Rica’s role in the fight against narcotrafficking. Diálogo: What is the [ … ]