COLUMBIA, S.C. – Students from the Republic of Colombia’s War College recently visited with counterparts from the South Carolina National Guard to learn about best practices for emergency and disaster relief, and equipment maintenance.
The exchange was one of several that have occurred between the South Carolina National Guard and the Republic of Colombia through a unique security relationship as part of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program.
“We constantly engage to make sure that we see what they do better so that we can learn from them and vice-versa,” said Army Capt. Jose Ruiz, a liaison officer for the South Carolina Army National Guard.
During the first day of the visit, the students received disaster relief information and command and control briefings at the South Carolina National Guard Joint Operations Center, which acts as the central nervous system for response coordination with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.
The exchange also included best practices for field vehicle maintenance, heavy and track vehicle maintenance, and strict accountability and maintenance procedures on vehicles and small weapons.
“In this visit, we had the chance to get to know the National Guard, but also to immerse in the culture and interact with the military people here,” said Colombian air force Maj. Gen. Ramses Reuda, one of the 24 students from the war college and the chief of education for the Colombian air force.
“This allows us to open more doors and to expand the range of the partnership program,” Reuda said. The Republic of Colombia and South Carolina National Guard have been partners since 2012.
Other highlights for the students included the South Carolina State Museum, the State House, and a tour of the University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium, home of the Gamecocks' football program.
“The fact that the Colombian War College students chose South Carolina as part of their international tour, demonstrates the commitment of the [Republic of Columbia] to our state partnership program,” said Lt. Col. Dave King, director of the South Carolina National Guard’s State Partnership Program.
“Our Soldiers and Airmen enjoyed showcasing to the students not only the role of the National Guard, but also how we are proud to call South Carolina ‘home' and welcome them here,” he said.