During the execution of U.S. Southern Command-sponsored multinational exercise PANAMAX 24, carried out in various U.S. locations, August 6-14, Diálogo had the opportunity to talk with Ecuadorian Army Major Maribel Heredia, logistics officer for the Combined Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC) of PANAMAX 24, who highlighted the fundamental role of women in military operations during her stay at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Diálogo: What was your experience of multinational exercise PANAMAX 24?
Ecuadorian Army Major Maribel Heredia, logistics officer of the Combined Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC) of PANAMAX 24: First of all, I want to thank U.S. Southern Command and the U.S. Army for giving us this opportunity to carry out these types of exercises, which are very important and interesting for our country, since they provide a very professional experience to the armies of the entire region. It’s quite an experience in terms of professional knowledge.
Diálogo: As a female representative in the armed forces, what does it mean to participate in a multinational exercise like PANAMAX?
Maj. Heredia: It really is a challenge for women, since for many years we have been relegated. However, this is an opportunity that we have been given to demonstrate that we women can be in this type of exercise, in this type of operation, that we can also offer our contingent, our experience, and add that touch, perhaps of finesse, of gentleness to the art of war.
Diálogo: What have been some of the takeaways of this exercise during these two weeks shared with your peers of the region?
Maj. Heredia: For me it’s lovely to have been able to share with other armies, with other armed forces, to know what their problems are, what their greatest strengths are, coming to the conclusion that we are similar in terms of forces, in terms of knowledge and doctrines. The friendship that one makes with other people from other countries has been really nice. I take with me the wonderful experience of having made new friends and of having friends from other regions.
Diálogo: What is the most important lesson that you want to take back to your peers in Ecuador?
Maj. Heredia: A professional learning experience in how to organize an exercise of such magnitude. Perhaps we could in the future build a similar exercise or be among the organizers of this exercise. It has been very instructional to be part of a multinational force.
