Diálogo had the opportunity to hold a brief conversation with Argentine Navy Captain Juan José Deandrea, director of Logistics Coordination of the Argentine Armed Forces’ Joint Chiefs of Staff, during his visit to U.S. Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) headquarters in the second quarter of 2024. Among other topics, Capt. Deandrea reiterated the critical importance of logistics in all military operations.
Diálogo: What, in your opinion, are the most important logistics challenges for the Argentine Armed Forces?
Argentine Navy Captain Juan José Deandrea, director of Logistics Coordination of the Argentine Armed Forces’ Joint Chiefs of Staff: I believe that the main challenge for the Armed Forces at this time, from the logistics point of view, is the constant updating of all weapons systems that each one of them has. This is also a good time to be able to compare and establish parameters in relation to the forces of other countries in order to pool efforts to update the weapons systems.
Diálogo: How does logistics play a role in operations against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing?
Capt. Deandrea: Without a doubt, logistics accompanies all operations in the fight against illegal fishing, just as it accompanies all types of military operations. It is a fundamental aspect. It’s the main axis, I would say, of all operations. At this moment we’re in a big fight against illegal fishing in our territory that takes place in the Argentine Sea, and I think that logistics is a necessary part of every operational question in this regard.
Diálogo: How do you see the collaboration between Argentina and SOUTHCOM in logistics matters, and what opportunities exist to strengthen this relationship for the future in specific areas such as illegal fishing and narcotrafficking?
Capt. Deandrea: The relationship with SOUTHCOM is a historic one between Argentina and the United States. It has been ongoing for many years and I believe that through the different programs that are being carried out we can join efforts in the fight against narcotrafficking and illegal fishing. I also believe that symposiums, such as the Logistics Symposium for Senior Leaders, also help to strengthen relations with SOUTHCOM and plan for good actions for the future.
