RS24, which will continue throughout the next three weeks, is sponsored by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and marks the beginning of a comprehensive joint training opportunity aimed at enhancing regional security and interoperability among Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Brazil, France, and the United States.
More than 1,500 experts from the participating nations’ militaries and medical communities will work together to share tactics, techniques, and procedures to ensure seamless integration during future emergencies or times of crisis. The exercise focuses on a wide array of operational objectives, including disaster response, medical readiness, cyber defense, search and recovery, water rescue, and small arms combat tactics.
“Our combined planning efforts are about to be realized as we stand ready to execute this grand exercise,” said U.S. Air Force Major General Evan Pettus, U.S. Air Forces Southern/12th Air Force commander. “Resolute Sentinel 2024, as part of Large-Scale Global Exercise 24, is a demonstration of our ability to seamlessly operate together to maintain global freedom and stability. Resolute Sentinel will strengthen the long-standing partnership between our nations reflects our mutual commitment to a more cooperative, prosperous, and secure hemisphere.”
The exercise is divided into multiple phases, each designed to hone the capabilities of the participating forces through realistic scenarios.
This year, special emphasis is placed on medical readiness, with joint medical teams conducting field hospital exercises and providing medical care to local communities. One of the primary goals is to enhance the Americas’ ability to respond collectively to natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods, which are prevalent in the region.
“Resolute Sentinel is more than tactical maneuvers and simulations,” Maj. Gen. Pettus said. “It is about building relationships … bridging gaps between cultures, languages, and traditions. It is about recognizing that our collective strength lies in unity, cooperation, and mutual respect.”
Exercise participants are scheduled to attend panels on military leadership philosophy, train with modern environmental hazard detection, and practice over-water search and recovery techniques in addition to building partnerships through the shared common bonds of easing human suffering.
“As we engage in this exercise, let us remember the humanitarian aspect as well,” Maj. Gen. Pettus said. “Our commitment extends beyond military prowess; it includes providing medical assistance, legal exchanges, and construction projects that benefit local communities.”
During the ceremony, Peruvian Army General David Guillermo Ojeda Parra, Joint Command Chief of the Armed Forces, emphasized the importance of the exercise in fostering regional solidarity and preparedness.
“Once again, Peru has the great honor of leading the planning, organization, and execution of Resolute Sentinel 24,” Gen. Ojeda Parra said. “We seek to improve our interoperability and strengthen our deterrence capacity through joint-combined operations in all domains: land, air, maritime, space, and cyberspace as well as improve our capacity to deter common threats and challenges of a constantly changing world.”
The objectives are clear: Enhance force readiness, strengthen partnerships, and increase interoperability.
“In the spirit of Resolute Sentinel let us approach each challenge with determination, adaptability, and a shared sense of purpose,” Maj. Gen. Pettus said. “Together, we will ensure safety and well-being of our region, and we will emerge stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for whatever the future holds.
“Somos mejores juntos – we are better together.”
