Brigadier General Ivo Moerman, commandant of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, has built a distinguished career on a foundation of operational experience, beginning with his first assignment as a platoon commander in Curaçao. With more than 30 years of service, this early exposure to the region’s unique security landscape, combined with a background in mechanical engineering and a wide range of international military training, informs his strategic vision today.
Diálogo had the opportunity to speak with Brig. Gen. Moerman during the 2025 Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference in Washington, D.C., where he discussed his ongoing mission in the Caribbean, critical partnerships, and his vision for strengthening interoperability and security cooperation in the hemisphere.
Diálogo: What is your primary strategic vision for the Netherlands Marine Corps’ presence and mission in the Caribbean, and how does it align with the broader defense strategy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands?
Brigadier General Ivo Moerman, commandant of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps: We have several countries in the Caribbean that are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. As a nation, we have a responsibility to provide security for those countries. The Royal Netherlands Navy and the Dutch Marine Corps have units and ships based in Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Marteen to provide support and capabilities for the local government whenever they are needed.
Diálogo: The Netherlands has a long history of cooperation in the Caribbean. In the context of the region’s diverse security challenges, what do you see as the most critical aspects of these partnerships? Is it shared intelligence, joint training, or something else that you believe is most essential for effective cooperation?
Brig. Gen. Moerman: We look at all security aspects in the area. Among our main missions is to be prepared to provide disaster relief, especially during hurricane season. We are always ready to assist not only our own countries but also other nations in the region. For example, about 20 years ago, we were able to provide hurricane relief to Nicaragua and Honduras because we had forces and capabilities in the area. In addition to disaster relief, we also address other security threats in the region.
Diálogo: The strategic location of the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire make them critical corridors for illicit activities, presenting a persistent threat to stability in the region. From your perspective, how have threats from transnational criminal organizations, including drug and human trafficking, evolved, and what specific role does the Netherlands Marines play in countering it alongside regional partners?
Brig. Gen. Moerman: We do that mainly together with our navy brothers and sisters. We have a ship in the area that supports the Caribbean coast guards with counternarcotic operations, and we also maintain a close working relationship with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Diálogo: Interoperability is crucial for effective combined operations. What are some of the key lessons learned from recent joint exercises in the Caribbean, such as Tradewinds, and what initiatives are being pursued to further enhance interoperability with your counterparts in the region?
Brig. Gen. Moerman: Effective interoperability relies on what we call the three Ps: People, Process, and Product. This includes having the right equipment and systems, but it is equally vital to train together using shared tactics, techniques, and procedures. This is why exercises like Tradewinds are very valuable. They allow us to build connections and establish the trust needed for both future exercises and real-world scenarios like hurricane relief, ensuring that we can operate seamlessly together.
Diálogo: Looking forward, what is your vision for the future of security cooperation in the Caribbean, and what new or expanded roles do you foresee for the Netherlands Marine Corps in partnership with its regional allies?
Brig. Gen. Moerman: We are always open to strengthening our partnerships, especially for disaster and hurricane relief. We actively seek to combine our capacities with those of our partners, including the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. We also have a very close relationship with Colombia, and we continue to strengthen these bonds and these relationships through different activities to ensure we are ready to respond when needed.
Diálogo: What type of engagements or training exercises are planned for the near future for the Marine Corps?
Brig. Gen. Moerman: We conduct annual training that we do together with the U.S. Marine Corps, both by sending Dutch Marines to the United States and hosting U.S. Marines in the Caribbean. We also hold annual training with the Colombian Marines, learning riverine operations from them, as they are the best in that field. Additionally, we have a close relationship with Suriname, where we conduct our general training.
