MANAGUA, Nicaragua - The collaboration between the Wisconsin National Guard's Military Engagement Team (MET) and Nicaragua's Civil Defense continued to progress as the team traveled to Nicaragua over a one-month period Feb. 24 to March 23.
"It's the first time ever that Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers have been embedded with the Nicaraguan military and worked hand-in-hand in day-to-day operations with Nicaraguan Soldiers," said Lt. Col. Robert Buettner, MET officer in charge.
The MET's three sections, which include communications, logistics, and operations, each spent two weeks in Managua, working directly with the nation's civil defense and civilian agencies starting Feb. 24.
"Our theory is the more face-to-face time we get with [Nicaraguan counterparts], the more we're able to share information and the better this process will be," Buettner said.
Nicaragua is a country that experiences a multitude of natural disasters on a recurring basis. The Central American nation experiences floods, mudslides, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, tsunamis, fires, and earthquakes. Managua is situated on 27 fault lines.
The MET's mission focuses on disaster mitigation. This is achieved by understanding the processes and structure, mutually identifying shortfalls and sharing ideas for improvements to Nicaragua's contingency plans for these natural disasters.
"[Nicaragua] does have a similar structure as [the Wisconsin National Guard] in the United States, but we do realize the limitations that we have, be it money-wise, training-wise or in material conditions," Maj. Aldo Mendieta, the civil defense first officer for plans and operations, said through a translator.
The communications team arrived Feb. 24 to focus on the civil defense's signal capabilities and information technology.
"This experience is priceless in working with other cultures and organizations," said Maj. Jeremy Holmes, communications team officer in charge. "Hopefully we make a difference and increase their capabilities to respond to their citizens, and we will also gain knowledge on ways we can improve our own communication within Wisconsin."
The logistics team began their two-week collaboration effort March 2 and concentrated on response plans that supplied medical aid, food, shelter and necessary equipment to victims during natural disasters.
"I think our counterparts have a comprehensive response plan to the multitude of disasters they are prone to," said Maj. Myron Davis, logistics team officer in charge. "[The Wisconsin Guard] can take some of their best practices and incorporate them into our plans."
Sgt. 1st Class Donna Muralt, a logistics non-commissioned officer, said being part of the MET has given her the opportunity to meet new people, experience a different culture and gain a better understanding of how the Wisconsin National Guard interacts with its exchange country Nicaragua.
The operations team is currently conducting their mission having arrived March 10. The team was specifically tasked to focus on disasters for which the Nicaragua Civil Defense does not have contingency plans. These include commercial plane crashes and hazardous material spills. "I think we're doing a lot of good for the country of Nicaragua and helping them out," said Sgt. 1st Class Culley Popma, an operations non-commissioned officer. "It's not a chance of if they're going to have to deal with a natural disaster, it's just when. So hopefully we can help them be more prepared for that."
"I'm excited to assist the Nicaraguans with essentially helping them save lives and prepare for disaster response in a part of the world where disasters are a part of life," said Capt. Joshua Porter, operations team officer in charge. "It's an honor for them to allow us to help out."
The MET received a positive response from Nicaragua's civil defense authorities and civilian agencies. Through a translator, Mendieta expressed his gratitude for the MET's contributions. He spoke of warmth and openness the MET brought to the relationship.
"The strengthening of the link between the Wisconsin National Guard and Civil Defense in Nicaragua creates good expectations for us in the future and in training and exchange," he said.