Colombia began hosting the 2012 Inter-American Naval War Game Monday, a regional exercise to promote cohesion among navies in dealing with potential maritime threats.
The event has been held since 1972 and tests the capacity of sea forces to combat piracy, terrorism, drug trafficking, and for the first time the effects of natural disasters.
In an official statement, the Colombian Defense Ministry called it “an ideal opportunity to strengthen academic relations between military colleges in the Americas.”
The 38th edition of the event was organized by Colombia’s War College and includes participation from Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, the United States, Mexico, Peru and the Dominican Republic.
The event has been scheduled to take place in three phases, with the first “advanced planning” phase being led by the Colombian Navy from April 9 to 13.
In the June 19 to 29 second phase, participating navies confront mock threat scenarios which they must respond to in real time. Natural disasters and crises will also be simulated, with the capacity to react and quality of decision making to be evaluated.
The final phase will take place from September 24 to 28 in the city of Cartagena, where directors from participating naval schools will discuss the experience acquired and the effectiveness of international and domestic laws in taking action against perceived threats.
