SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 – In the hot sun of the Atacama Desert in the Tacapacá region, Texas Army National Guard and Chilean combat medics are working together as part of the State Partnership Program to provide first aid, immediate lifesaving measures and triage at Southern Fenix 24.
Over 600 troops from the Chilean, Argentine and U.S. armies are training together at the inaugural multinational military exercise from Aug. 27 to Sept. 5 to increase interoperability in a desert environment.
TXARNG and Chilean medical personnel set up a joint Role I medical clinic at Campo Militar Pozo Almonte to provide medical care to U.S. and Chilean service members, ensuring a safe exercise.
“We really want to form a relationship and a bond with the Chilean army, and more specifically, their medical team,” said Lt. Col. Sarah Milling, a physician assistant assigned to the Texas Medical Detachment, 71st Troop Command. “We’ve really been impressed with how the Chileans operate and look forward to continuing exchanging knowledge and different techniques.
“It’s been tough to overcome the language barrier at times, but medicine has its own language, and it’s really helped us communicate,” she said.
TXARNG and the Chilean Armed Forces have been partners under the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program since 2009.
The exercise marks the first time U.S. medics have joined an exercise with the Chilean army medics. It expands on a partnership that includes disaster/emergency response, aviation operations, maintenance and engineer activities.
The Texas medical detachment deployed 11 Soldiers with different specialties, including a physician assistant, nurses, and combat medics.
“The partnership between the Texas Army National Guard and the Chilean army is crucial for advancing medical capabilities and enhancing emergency response effectiveness between our partner nations,” said U.S. Army Maj. Teresa Wilt, the Texas medical detachment commander.
“By sharing medical expertise and conducting joint exercises, both nations improve their ability to respond to crises, strengthen their readiness, and contribute to global health and humanitarian efforts.”
The TXARNG and Chilean army have cross-trained in medical evacuation, emergency medical services, combat lifesaver and triage.
“They showed us how they load and unload patients from their ambulances and it was similar to how we do it in the [United] States with different equipment and nuances,” said U.S. Army Spc. David Donnell, a combat medic assigned to the Texas Medical Detachment – Grand Prairie. “The Chileans have been really welcoming, and I’m really enjoying seeing how they operate.”
“It’s been a beautiful experience being able to share knowledge and working together with U.S. forces,” said Chilean army Cabo Primero Carolan Aquila, a combat medic assigned to the Pozo Almonte medical hospital. “The U.S. brings a lot of experience, especially in combat, that we can learn and gain experience from.”
By Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Pietrantoni
New York National Guard