Story and photos by Special Operations Command-South Public Affairs Special operations military and police forces representing 21 countries throughout the Western Hemisphere gathered for the Sixth Annual Fuerzas Comando Competition hosted by Brazil, June17 through 25. Security forces from Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States and Uruguay took part in the challenging contest, which promoted military-to-military relationships, increased interoperability and improved regional security. Days before the opening ceremony, judges representing each of the participating nations gathered to validate the various events of the competition in order to fairly grade the participants. Once course validations were complete and participants clearly understood expectations, the official opening ceremony commenced June 18, signifying the official start of the Special Forces competition. The opening ceremony featured welcoming speeches from Brig. Gen. Hector Pagan, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command South and Gen. Paulo Humberto, Brazil’s Special Operations Brigade commander. “During Fuerzas Comando, we will have the opportunity to exchange experiences and gain new knowledge about ourselves, our countries and our cultures,” said Pagan. “These interactions create bonds that cross international boundaries,” Pagan added. “The competitors have trained to compete; however, we must not forget that the most important thing is the bond we are creating and fortifying,” said Humberto. Tip of the Spear
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