EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES QUITO, ECUADOR

U. S. Milgroup-Ecuador

The Armed Forces of the United States and Ecuador have maintained a healthy and cooperative  relationship dating back to World War II.  Since 1974, there has existed a formal mission in Ecuador (ECU), first as a Military Liaison Office and later as a Military Group (MILGP).  The United States Government values the security cooperation relationship with the Government of Ecuador and truly believes that our support contributes to the successful accomplishment of the National Security objectives set forth by the Government of Ecuador in key areas such as national sovereignty, the decrease of illegal activities, and the realization of  stability and development objectives in what is known as “Plan Ecuador.”

The U.S. Military Group consists of 43 permanent military and civilian personnel.  The mission of the U.S. Military Group is to provide sound military advice, training and equipment support to the Ecuadorian Armed Forces.

During Fiscal Year 2009 the U.S. USMILGP has provided the Armed Forces of Ecuador with a total of $50,715,111 in Security Cooperation funds.  Our programs consist mainly of equipment deliveries, military training, professional exchanges, and humanitarian assistance.  Monies from Counternarcotics (DASD-CN) 1033 provides the greatest source of funding for our programs for equipping and 1004 for construction, followed by funds for Humanitarian Assistance (HAP), 1004 Counterdrug funds for training, funds for the International Military Education and Training (IMET) program, FMF grant funding, funds from the Counterterrorism Fellowship Program (CTFP), and training and subject matter expert exchanges in Ecuador or the United States.  Additionally of further note, approximately $35,140,000 in installations and equipment from the Manta Forward Operating Location (FOL) were donated to the Ecuadorian Air Force and other non-government agencies (NGO), upon the cessation of U.S. counternarcotics activities at the Manta FOL on 18 September 2009.

Also during Fiscal Year 2009, the Ecuadorian Armed Forces participated in various regional exercises executed with other friendly nations in order to foster military relations, regional interoperability, and develop the capabilities and professionalism of the military participants.  Among the most important exercises that the Ecuadorian Armed Forces participated in include the Peacekeeping Operations of the Americas, Special Forces Competition “Fuerzas Comando,” and the Panama Canal Defense Exercise “PANAMAX,” among others.  During Fiscal Year 2009, Ecuador also participated in numerous professional military exchanges under the State Partnership Program with the Kentucky National Guard.  Assistance has also been provided to the Armed Forces through the purchase of equipment using the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program and from the Foreign Military Financing Program (FMFP).