Military leaders from the United States, Canada, Chile and six other South American nations will gather in Santiago, August 12-13 for talks regarding civil-military cooperation in support of regional security.
The delegations attending the two-day South American Defense Conference will examine the military’s various roles in support of missions ranging from the provision of emergency aid during crises to energy and environmental security.
This year’s conference will be co-hosted by the Joint Staff of the Chilean Armed Forces and U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). Chilean Vice Admiral José Miguel Romero, Chief of the Chilean Armed Forces, and U.S. Marine General John Kelly, Commander of USSOUTHCOM, will welcome participants during a ceremony marking the opening of the event on August 12.
This year marks the fifth time the region’s defense leaders have participated in the South American Defense Conference. The region’s defense forces routinely work alongside civilian institutions to support civilian-led operations, strengthen interagency cooperation and to broaden the scope of skills and expertise governments can bring to bear against security threats and challenges. Civilian-led missions routinely supported by military forces include disaster relief and humanitarian assistance operations.
Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela are among the South American countries scheduled to be represented during the event.
U.S. Marine General John Kelly
General Kelly took command of United States Southern Command in November 2012 after serving as the Senior Military Assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Prior to that he served as commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North.
For additional information regarding General Kelly or United States Southern Command go to:
http://www.southcom.mil/aboutus/Pages/General-John-F–Kelly.aspx
