Introduction
The Centers of Excellence of the United States Southern Command in Colombia emerged as an initiative of the Theater Maintenance Partnership Initiative (TMPI) for the development of maintenance expertise for the equipment supplied, extending to the strengthening of competencies in multinational logistics.
Within this proposal, Colombia and Jamaica were the first countries selected to be pioneers in initiating this alliance that will be implemented in 2025 and which will subsequently advance and be extended to other countries in the region by 2026 and 2027, such as Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil.
To this extent, the initiative contemplates the development of Centers of Excellence, which, in the particular case of Colombia, includes the Center of Excellence in Aviation, one of the most complete and modern in all of Latin America, and in turn, the Center of Excellence in Communications, noted for its cutting-edge equipment, its successful experiences and its constant processes of updating and training the personnel of the Military Forces. In addition to this, the alliance will consolidate and implement a training component through the Multinational Logistics Course. Colombia’s leading role and leadership in undertaking the alliance is noteworthy.
To that extent, the added value of this initiative lies in the maintenance of the elements, equipment and systems that have been purchased from the United States, also projecting the strengthening of capacities so that, in the future, the Force can become self-sustaining in these capacities, which implies that in addition to maintaining its own aircraft and communication systems, it will also be able to maintain the aircraft and communication systems of other countries in the region.
Therefore, this article will focus on delving into the essence of this alliance, the centers of excellence that will be consolidated in Colombia and also the course of action that will be taken to develop the training of the Force’s personnel, in order to highlight the importance of continuing to strengthen the capabilities of the National Army, in cooperation with other countries, given that this commitment is intended to be implemented from 2025 onwards and progress accordingly until 2029, so that this can guarantee resources and capabilities, which the Force can implement and develop in its Centers of Excellence through US funding and its own resources
Initiative of the Theater Maintenance Partnership Initiative (TMPI) of the United States Southern Command
Within the decision-making of the National Army at a strategic and operational level, it is essential to have alternatives that allow for the strengthening of the capabilities and the training process of the Force, understanding that, through the constant education and training of personnel, a strong and up-to-date Army will be consolidated, capable of responding to the current challenges facing the country.
To this extent, the Institutional Strategic Plan 2022-2026 of the National Army, within its institutional premises, includes: “A prepared, consolidated and strengthened Army that is articulated in the integral effort to consolidate the Nation” and “capable of updating and adapting itself to fulfill its vocation to serve with honor” (PEI, 2022-2026).
Meanwhile, and with regard to the hybrid threats that the country continues to face today, the alliances that can be forged with other countries are essential, not only for strengthening the capabilities of the Force, but also for the creation of new capabilities that will enable the Army to fulfill its mission. In this sense, it is necessary to plan concrete actions in the short and medium term that will have an impact on and contribute to the country’s development.
Therefore, the United States Southern Command, aimed at helping governments and public security forces in South America, Central America and Caribbean countries, has consolidated a plan to help South American partner countries, through the Theater Maintenance Partnership Initiative (TMPI) for the creation of centers of excellence in various countries, which focus on the maintenance of items, equipment and systems that have been purchased from the United States. This initiative arises from the concern of partners and allies about the maintenance problems they have been experiencing with their equipment (Christianson, 2023).
It should be noted that TMPI is a US program designed to “improve the availability of material from allied and partner nations (A&PN) in Latin America and the Caribbean, addressing maintenance problems of defense items supplied by the United States” (Southern Command, 2024).
This then implies that the main objective of this initiative is to:
Establish an agreement for the Theater Maintenance Partnership Initiative (TMPI) that includes equipment, funding and special coordination requirements. Additional requirements not covered in this Maintenance Agreement will be addressed between the parties as they are discovered.
The intention of the Maintenance Agreement is to codify any agreements made during the planning stage and to obtain the signatures of the representatives of each NLT nation. (United States Southern Command, 2024).
This implies that, during the launch of the Initiative and its implementation in Colombia, possible needs and requirements that have not previously been contemplated in the agreement will become evident and that it is subject to new agreements that will also be endorsed by the countries involved in the agreement, which allows for a projection not only in the short and medium term, but also opens up the possibility of a long-term projection.
As part of the Initiative, the Southern Command will work with partner countries and allies in South America to develop maintenance expertise involving two significant aspects: equipment maintenance and life cycle management. “We want to offer a broad spectrum of support and commitment to our partners and allies. It is about more than just training in the maintenance of final elements, although this is a tangible and very important aspect of the program,” (Lieutenant Colonel Christianson, quoted by López, 2023).
In this vein, it is clear that the purpose of this initiative is not only the maintenance of defense items, but also the training and education of personnel. Specifically in the case of senior military personnel, through the Multinational Logistics Officer Course which will provide: “knowledge of the six functions of logistics, NATO codification, life cycle management and planning at the operational and strategic level” (Christianson, quoted by López, 2023).
In addition to the above, the initiative by the United States Southern Command importantly involves advising maintenance professionals within the components of the associated forces, joint commands and offices of the Ministry of Defense to achieve readiness objectives at the strategic level.
Colombia will be a pioneer country for the implementation of Centers of Excellence
Many events have shown that the cooperation between Colombia and the United States has resulted in significant advances, especially in aviation, not only for the strengthening of air capabilities in Colombia, but also in the consolidation of regional security through the training of pilots, technicians and maintenance personnel.
On the other hand, the alliances have allowed for the transfer of technology and equipment that have allowed the Colombian Army to become a benchmark among the armies of the region. The facilities, experiences, scenarios and laboratories where the pilots of the National Army, Navy, Air Force and National Police are prepared and professionalized have all the equipment and standards for an assertive and competent qualification.
In turn, thanks to the training results of the Military Forces personnel, since 2019 personnel from other countries have been trained, given that there are a total of 268 students from other countries such as Panama, Mexico, Peru, El Salvador, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Uruguay and Guatemala, through the development of a total of 274 courses (technical, tactical and support) with a total of 6,282 flight hours allocated for training (DAVAA, 2024).
In this vein, Colombia has demonstrated its strength with regard to Army Aviation and its ability to mobilize through the complex geography that certain territories can represent, playing a leading role in military operations as specific as: the fight against insurgency, drug trafficking and other illegal activities (DAVAA, 2024) providing air support, troop transport, reconnaissance and surveillance, as well as assistance in emergencies and natural disasters.
Meanwhile, and with regard to the Theater Maintenance Partnership Initiative (TMPI), Colombia will have two Centers of Excellence respectively: one for aviation maintenance, and another for electronic maintenance which, according to the Multinational Logistics officer at the United States Southern Command, Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Gabriel Christianson, the aim here is to advance the objectives and focus efforts on the production of maintenance personnel but also: “support the expansion of the Tolemaida repair facilities, which have gone from being strictly national to becoming an organization with sufficient capacity to provide support to other partners and allies in the region, as well as with expanded capabilities” (Christianson, quoted by López, 2023).
This also means that the US contribution provides an initial investment that will increase the capacity of the Force and its training and maintenance institutions, agreed through the Significant Security Cooperation Initiative that will last for five consecutive years; this investment also includes the training of technical advisors, training simulators, textbooks, tools for mechanics and improvements to facilities or modular facilities for schools (US Southern Command, 2024).
On the other hand, and as a result of the experience and lessons learned from the units deployed throughout the territory, the Colombian National Army has managed to consolidate an efficient military communications system through a combination of advanced technology, specialized training, adaptation of infrastructure, maintenance laboratories, capacity for innovation and a solid organizational structure, responding to the needs and challenges of the Army as well as the other forces (Communications School, 2024).
In this sense and with the aim of strengthening and consolidating communications capabilities, the Army has invested in cutting-edge technology including terrestrial and satellite equipment, encryption systems and secure communications networks; fully equipped technology that guarantees not only the possibility of reliable communication processes, but also demonstrates the security and protection of these in diverse conditions and contexts.
At the same time, the National Army has joined forces to strengthen the constant training and updating of its personnel, given that through the School of Communications, the operators of the Force’s communication equipment are trained, educated and specialized through technical courses and specializations, as well as military courses that are developed for updating, among which are: Command and Control, Computing, Cyberdefense, Electronic Warfare, Communications Logistics and Basic Communications Course.
Likewise, the School of Communications has two technological programs in Communication Systems and Computing and also specializations in Physical and Computer Security and in Integral Communications Management. During 2024, more than 723 members of the Military Forces have been trained (ESCOM, 2024).
Along the same lines, the School of Communications, together with the Communications Maintenance Battalion, carries out support tasks in maintenance, production, reverse logistics and recovery of the Force’s communications and computing equipment, enabling the teams to maintain coherent and effective communication through the integrated communication network, fulfilling their main task of ensuring that communications specialists: “are trained to operate and maintain communications equipment in optimal conditions, ensuring connectivity and security of communications during military operations”, (ESCOM, 2024).
Therefore, the TPMI initiative will allow the combination of the capabilities and efforts of both units: the Communications School and the Communications Maintenance Battalion, to improve infrastructure capabilities considerably and expand the program and the offer of training not only to train the Force’s personnel, but also so that communications specialists from other countries can train and be trained in Colombian territory.
In addition to these, the following are some important aspects of the alliance for strengthening military capabilities through the United States Centers of Excellence in Colombia (US Southern Command, 2024):
- Each center of excellence will be able to provide tactical advice, focused on maintenance training and the improvement of maintenance processes for depot repair.
- Advice on improvements in the repair of components at the warehouse level, at the education and repair level, at the depot level with the development of the Colombian Armed Forces teaching charts.
- Logistical advisor at the joint and ministerial level to assist in logistical planning in strategic and operational terms with specialized knowledge in supply chain, life cycle management and procurement.
- The program will provide funding for national students from third countries to attend the Center of Excellence in order to increase capacity in an area related to joining forces to strengthen those actions that have been successful.
- A curriculum development specialist and lecturer will be provided for the creation and delivery of a Multinational Logistics Officer Course at the Escuela Superior de Guerra (ESDEG) in Bogotá.
What has been mentioned so far refers only to some of the various aspects involved in the alliance and which demonstrate the possibility that Colombia has of expanding, strengthening and consolidating its capacities in other scenarios that will allow for a more competent army that is willing to face the challenges that the country is currently experiencing.
It is worth mentioning that the success of the TMPI depends on the partnership between the United States and Colombia to work together to: “improve operational readiness, overcome maintenance challenges and create an integrated regional maintenance support network” (Southern Command, 2024).
In this sense, Colombia will include the TMPI as a point of bilateral cooperation within the Colombian Security Assistance Roadmap, as well as working with SCJ4 Multinational Logistics personnel to include the courses that are developed and implemented within the Colombia-United States Action Plan catalog for use by multinational students.
As has been mentioned, this agreement will then allow the Centers of Excellence to contribute to the strengthening of current programs and infrastructure over the next five years, through US funding that would initially support the development of current capabilities, with Colombia providing the technical means, facilities and human resources to impact 9 countries in the region and move on to other countries that are not yet part of this initiative, such as Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.
For its part, the Center of Excellence for Radio Electronics Maintenance and Communications Technician Training is planned to be located in Facatativá, under the direction of the School of Communications integrated into the Communications Maintenance Battalion, because although the alliance currently focuses mainly on the training and internal maintenance of the Force, it is planned that by 2025, 15 international students will be integrated under the support of Southern Command, whose resources would be specifically allocated for infrastructure, equipment and services.
Finally, the Multinational Logistics Course will focus on:
Fostering interoperability and capabilities among intermediate-level logistics professionals from allies and partner nations to improve understanding of various aspects of the six functions of logistics at the operational and strategic levels, including planning, contracting, budgeting, objective and memorandum program formulation, budgeting, and life cycle management (SOUTHCOM Liaison Office, 2024).
In turn, this course will form an important and potential part of NATO’s Defense Education Enhancement Program, also offered in English at an additional location for English-speaking partner and allied nations in the hemisphere, which will also have instructor personnel from both Southern Command and the Colombian Armed Forces, under the direction of the War College, whose proposal will be implemented from 2025.
This scenario, made possible by the alliance between the United States Southern Command and Colombia, not only shows that the National Army has capabilities and strengths that allow the implementation of actions and proposals from other countries, but also presents the opportunity to cooperate with other countries in the region, through the experience that will be gained as a pioneer country in this initiative, since the Southern Command has opened up possibilities to make available to the Force the opportunities to strengthen capacities and to consolidate increasingly assertive scenarios.
Meanwhile, this commitment allows us to understand that the Colombian National Army must commit to a constant transformation and evolution that allows it to anticipate the long-term strategic environment, but also allows it to project its capacities to another level, modernizing the processes of the force, but above all, ie the Colombian National Army must commit to constant transformation and evolution that allows it to anticipate the long-term strategic environment, but also allows it to project its capabilities to another level, modernizing the force’s processes, but above all, updating, training and equipping personnel with the skills, competencies and knowledge that will take them to another level and allow them to respond with efficiency, effectiveness and excellence to the challenges of ensuring the security and defense of the homeland.
It is hoped, then, that with this initiative the National Army will be up to the task of contributing to the Centers of Excellence and enabling significant regional integration based on its leadership position in education and maintenance, having a considerable impact on regional partners. At the same time, it will be able to strengthen its capacities at the strategic and operational level.
Bibliography
- Command Southern, (2024). Theater Maintenance Partnership Initiative Colombian Maintenance Compact between United States Southern Command and the Armed Forces Colombia. United States, Southern Command.
- Army of the Future Training Command, (2021). PETEF – Strategic Transformation Plan Army of the Future 2042. National Army of Colombia.
- DAVAA, (2024). National Army Air Assault Aviation Division. National Army of Colombia. Retrieved from: https://www.ejercito.mil.co/division-de-aviacion-y-asalto-aereo/
- National Army, (2022). Institutional Strategic Plan 2022 – 2026. National Army of Colombia.
- ESCOM, (2024). National Army Communications School. National Army of Colombia. Retrieved from: https://www.ejercito.mil.co/escuela de-comunicaciones-escom/
- López, C. (2023). Southcom aims to create maintenance partnerships with South American nations. United States Southern Command. Retrieved from: https://www.southcom.mil/DesktopModules/ArticleCS/Print.aspx?Portalld=7 &Moduleld=1387&Article=3560134
- SOUTHCOM Liaison Office, (2024). Activity Report to the Joint Chief of Staff of the Military Forces. Ministry of National Defense.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency of the U.S. government, Diálogo magazine, or its members. This article was machine translated.
