U.S., Colombia Launch Joint Exercise to Strengthen Readiness, Regional Security

Nov. 4, 2026 | By U.S. Southern Command |

The U.S. and Colombian armies officially launched Exercise Southern Vanguard 2027 during a ceremony in Tolemaida, Colombia, Nov. 2, bringing together approximately 800 military personnel to strengthen interoperability, readiness and bilateral security cooperation. 

The 41st iteration of the annual exercise is hosted by the Colombian National Army, sponsored by U.S. Southern Command and led by U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command. 

The exercise, which is scheduled to run until mid-November, aims to strengthen soldiers' skills, improve their ability to operate together in challenging environments and enhance mutual readiness. Colombia's role as host underscores the importance of the U.S.-Colombia security partnership and regional military cooperation. 

"Our partnership extends far beyond the formations assembled on this field here. It is institutional [and] professional, and it is enduring," said Army Brig. Gen. Peter L. Gilbert, U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command deputy chief of staff. "This is how we turn cooperation into readiness." 

Following the opening ceremony, U.S. and Colombian soldiers conducted combined training focused on jungle exercises and counter-improvised explosive device tactics. 

The exercise also included a command post and field training exercise, with broader training objectives spanning maritime interdiction, ground security, cyber defense and interagency cooperation. These activities promote knowledge-sharing, strengthen interoperability and improve combined readiness. 

"I extend a warm and fraternal greeting to all officers, noncommissioned officers, soldiers and international partners participating in the Southern Vanguard 2027 exercise," said Colombian National Army Brig. Gen. Edilberto Cortés, chief of the force generation staff. "This presence demonstrates the shared commitment of our nations to strengthen collective readiness and consolidate the ties of cooperation that support our strategic and historical relationship." 

Building on more than 200 years of diplomatic relations, the United States and Colombia continue to strengthen their military partnership through combined training and professional knowledge-sharing. Exercise Southern Vanguard aims to improve readiness, reinforce interoperability, and support peace, stability and security across the Western Hemisphere.