Extreme cold, challenging terrain, and winter combat techniques marked the first nine days of the combined exercise Southern Vanguard 2025, which brings together mountain troops from the Armies of Chile, the United States, Argentina, and Peru. With the initial training stage completed, the Integrated Training (FIT) phase now begins, leading up to the Final Field Training Exercise (FTX), which will run until August 29.
During this first phase, the troops faced high-mountain conditions with snow and subzero temperatures, training in survival techniques, rope handling, rappelling, movement, combat formations, shelter construction, bridge crossings, first aid, and rescue in winter terrain.
Learning was mutual. Specialist Néstor Cordero, from the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, highlighted that he had never fought in snow before: “It was difficult to adapt, but we learned a lot from the Chilean Army’s techniques.”
For Lieutenant Sebastián Cruzat, from the Mountain Detachment No. 17 “Los Ángeles,” the value lay in the exchange of procedures: “We were able to observe how they work and, at the same time, showcase our own mountain movement techniques.”
Meanwhile, First Sergeant Esquia Mullisaca, from the Peruvian Army’s Mountain School, emphasized the novelty of training in snow: “We usually work more on rock, so this instruction was very valuable. The Chilean instructors were clear and didactic.”
Strategic outlook
Southern Vanguard 2025 is not just a military exercise. Its execution in Chile reflects the country’s consolidation as an international benchmark in mountain warfare, an environment where few armies can operate effectively. For the U.S., it represents the chance to train in extreme conditions not found in its own territory; for Argentina and Peru, it strengthens their ability to interoperate in a scenario of growing regional cooperation.
In geopolitical terms, the initiative reinforces hemispheric integration under NATO standards, increasing mutual trust and enhancing combined response capabilities in complex terrain crisis scenarios.
The Chilean Army, with its proven experience in mountain operations, emerges not only as host but also as a doctrinal leader, validating its role in demanding multinational exercises.
Photos: Chilean Army
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