The Costly Anti Narcotics War that isn’t: Colombia scores U.S. Hueys, M1117 Armored Vehicles, courtesy Uncle Sam

Colombia receives armored vehicles from U.S. Southern Command in handover ceremony

By Rachel Deloach, Army.mil

The diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and Colombia marks its 200th anniversary this year.

In April 2021, the U.S. provided Colombia with five UH-1 Bell Huey helicopters in an effort increase military capabilities.

In its latest transfer of equipment, the U.S. is helping Colombia strengthen their national security in an effort to help counter narcotics.

On December 2, U.S. Southern Command donated 20 M1117 armored security vehicles in a handover ceremony at the Buenavista Military Fort. U.S. Ambassador to Colombia Phillip Goldberg conducted the handover during the formal ceremony. Following his comments, Ambassador Goldberg signed the donation certificate with Col. Michael Rayburn of the U.S. Delegation and Colombian Minister of Defense Diego Molano and Gen. Eduardo Zapateiro of the Colombian participants.

Molano said the vehicles, which will join the Colombian fleet on the northeastern part of the country, will contribute to strengthening national security and defense.

“This cooperation guarantees mobility to face the threats of narcotrafficking and explosives, arms, and ammunition trafficking,” said Molano.

The 20 M1117 ASVs showcased during the ceremony are part of the first of 86 vehicles scheduled to be delivered to Colombia in phase one of a unique foreign military sales case, said Colombia Country Program Manager Stephanie Yawn.

“The ASVs were given to Colombia under an Excess Defense Articles grant which approves 200 vehicles,” said Yawn. “The EDA mission transfers equipment declared excess by the Army to our foreign partners at low or no cost. Refurbishment and transportation were covered under foreign military sales funds.”

The refurbishment also supports Army readiness by keeping U.S. organic industrial base production lines hot.

Phase one is expected to complete production at Red River Army Depot in March with an estimated April delivery date. Forty additional vehicles are completed at RRAD and are awaiting a vessel to ship. Yawn said for phase two, Colombia is currently working on a letter of request for 59 additional ASVs.

“The Colombian military has asked for input from Tank-automotive and Armaments Command and the EDA group that is managing the sale, so they are knowledgeable from a budget standpoint when they speak to their Ministry of Defense,” said Yawn. According to the Colombian Army, noteworthy characteristics of the ASVs are their technology, firepower, and ability to withstand impacts from explosive devices.

“This new fleet of vehicles will improve the protection of our soldiers while working in critical areas of the country,” said Ambassador Goldberg. “These vehicles can be used for humanitarian or military operations.”

The Army Materiel Command Security Assistance Enterprise includes USASAC, TACOM and many other organizations that provide capabilities through security assistance and foreign military sales that support regional and global operations, enable national territorial defense, and enhance interoperability and readiness — all of which allows the Army to compete and deter effectively.

Other countries are noticing the impact of the work being done in Colombia and are asking to do the same for their militaries, says DOD.p in previous years.

Colombia rewarded top brass for their contributions through the years. Colombian National Army Commander Gen. Alberto Mejia (a 2001 graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame inductee) that he was developing an annual award to recognize those who have demonstrated excellence in doctrine It would be named the “Benn y Soto” (Benn and Soto) Award in 2018.

The Colombians call their effort to establish a new military doctrine “Damasco” — a biblical reference to the transformation the Apostle Paul went through on the road to Damascus.

The Conference of American Armies is an International Military Organization comprised of 20 member armies from the Caribbean, Central, North and South American countries, five observer armies and two international military organizations and was founded in 1960 as a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences among the American Armies.