Army South planning bilateral Staff Talks with Colombia, Brazil

(From left) Colombian Gen. Alejandro Navas and Maj. Gen. Simeon G. Trombitas sign memorandums of understanding during the U.S. and Colombian army staff talks closing ceremony at the U.S. Army South headquarters here Feb. 4, 2011.

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - U.S. Army South, as the Army's executive agent, will conduct bilateral staff talks with the Colombian army March 19-23, in Bogota, Colombia and with the Brazilian army April 30-May 4, at Fort Sam, Houston, Texas.

What are Army Staff Talks?

The U.S. Army Staff Talks Program serves as a bilateral forum for strategic-level discussions between respective armies. The program seeks to promote bilateral efforts in order to develop professional partnerships and increase interaction between partner nation armies.

The engagements enhance army-to-army contacts and mutual understanding provide training and discussions in areas of mutual interest, and assist partner nation armies in building capacity.

The U.S. Army Staff Talks Program assists in promoting peace, security and stability in Central and South America, and the Caribbean through mutual understanding, partnership, and cooperation.

What has Army South done?

Army South, on behalf of the Chief of Staff of the Army, has engaged in annual bilateral staff talks with Brazil, Chile, Colombia and El Salvador for many years. The staff talks have been instrumental in enhancing the interoperability and cooperation between the armies, which has contributed to increased stability in the region. The U.S. Army's efforts are integrated with the U.S. Southern Commanders Theater Campaign Plan and linked to mission strategic resources.

What efforts does the Army and Army South have planned for the future?

The staff talks program is part of a year-long planning process at the action officer level that occurs throughout the year and culminates with a week-long senior leader engagement event. Participating armies improve knowledge and capabilities for peace-keeping, security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. At the end of the week-long event, the Army South commander and a senior leader from the partner army sign a bilateral engagement plan to conduct training and operations together in the upcoming year.

The U.S. Army will continue to support partner nation armies efforts of improving security, protecting human rights and promoting peace and stability.

Why is this important to the Army?

The U.S. Army's capabilities in the region are improved by the partnerships forged from the staff talks. In order to meet todays challenges and tomorrows uncertain conflicts, the Army, as Americas force of decisive action, must continue to shape the environment by working closely and in engaging with our allies while building partner nation capacity. Strengthening the relationship with partner nation armies through these talks will have lasting effects on the peace and stability of the region.