Southern Fenix 2024 involved hundreds of service members from Chile, Argentina, and the U.S. aimed at enhancing military interoperability in the Tarapacá region of Chile from August 27 to September 5, 2024. The exercise featured various joint operations including the first deployment of HIMARS in Latin America, emphasizing cooperation in defense and logistical capabilities among the nations.
From August 27 to September 5, 2024, the armies of Chile, Argentina, and the United States convened for an extensive training exercise known as Southern Fenix 2024 (SF24) in the northern Tarapacá region of Chile. This exercise aimed to bolster technical and procedural interoperability among the participating forces while enhancing collaborative efforts among the nations. Miguel Navarro, a professor at Chile’s National Academy of Political and Strategic Studies, emphasized that Southern Fenix demonstrates U.S. commitment to solidifying strategic alliances with both Chile and Argentina. He noted, “The exercise recognizes both countries as reliable allies, with which they share not only values, but also democratic interests and military professionalism. That is key.” During the two-week training period, the service members engaged in various scenarios that highlighted their tactical and technical interoperability. Reports from the Chilean Army indicated a significant display of precision across multiple missions. This iteration of SF24 marked a notable event, as it was the first U.S. Army-led exercise to utilize the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) within the region. Colonel Charles Karels, the U.S. Army South director of training and exercises, remarked, “Southern Fenix 24 is the first exercise of its kind for the U.S. Army in Latin America. The Chilean Army is an excellent partner…” Approximately 200 U.S. Army personnel, including members from the 11th Airborne Division and the Texas and New York Army National Guards, collaborated with over 500 Chilean Army personnel from the 6th Division, along with representatives from the Argentine Army. Training exercises included day and night jump infiltration, field training exercises, and live fire tactical maneuvers. Furthermore, aeromedical evacuation drills and logistical operations were executed to ensure proper supply delivery to troops in the field. The exercise concluded with a live fire event where both the HIMARS and Chilean Light Artillery Rocket System (LARS) performed coordinated fire missions. Colonel Karels highlighted the importance of such training opportunities, stating, “Training with this strategic asset with our Chilean partners is an important opportunity to increase our interoperability and our readiness for training and deployment.” Chilean Army Brigadier General Guillermo Altamirano remarked on the exercise’s significance in advancing cooperation between the nations, asserting, “The development of this exercise allowed us… to improve the way we interoperate.” Guillermo Holzmann, a defense analyst from the University of Valparaíso, underscored Chile’s unique capabilities in defense scenarios, especially in conditions unfamiliar to U.S. forces, labeling these exercises as integral to enhancing logistical and operational readiness. He asserted the relevance of Southern Fenix in scenarios beyond traditional warfare, incorporating humanitarian aid and emergency response frameworks. In the closing ceremony of the exercise, U.S. Army Major General Philip Ryan reflected on the joint efforts, stating, “Over the past several weeks, we have witnessed an extraordinary display of cooperation, professionalism, and dedication among our armies. Southern Fenix has been more than a military exercise but a testament to the enduring partnership between our nations, and our shared commitment to security and stability in this hemisphere.
Southern Fenix 2024 is a multinational military training exercise orchestrated to enhance interoperability among the Northern Hemisphere nations, specifically focused on fostering collaboration between the U.S. and South American partners, including Chile and Argentina. The exercise aims to refine tactical competencies and establish cooperative frameworks for complex operational environments, fortifying alliances in defense strategies, and promoting regional security.
The Southern Fenix 2024 exercise underscores the commitment of the United States, Chile, and Argentina to enhancing military interoperability and collaboration. Through shared training experiences, combined tactical operations, and strategic dialogues, these nations are not only reinforcing their military capabilities but also establishing a lasting partnership aimed at ensuring regional stability and security. The exercise showcased significant advancements in logistics, humanitarian assistance preparation, and overall readiness to respond to contemporary challenges.
Original Source: dialogo-americas.com
