Spanning environments from dense jungle to high-altitude mountains, Exercise Southern Vanguard brings together U.S. and partner-nation forces to strengthen interoperability through realistic, small-unit training. Led by U.S. Army South in coordination with host nations, the exercise focuses on air-ground integration, maneuver, and joint planning in challenging environments. As the 2026 iteration approaches in Peru, May 11–21, with an emphasis on counterterrorism and jungle warfare, the following images offer a glimpse of past activities during the exercise and the continued collaboration among participating forces. U.S. Army Specialist Cynthia Walker, infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), disembark a boat during a platoon-level jungle mock-reconnaissance on an island in Oiapoque, Brazil, during Southern Vanguard 24, November 13, 2023. (Photo: U.S. Army Specialist Joshua Taeckens)
