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In a demonstration of international cooperation and commitment to regional stability, the U.S. Air Force, along with other branches of the U.S. military, joined forces with the Peruvian Air Force for a two-week Judge Advocate General (JAG) exercise as part of Exercise Resolute Sentinel 2024.
The JAGEX portion of the annual RS exercise, which aims to enhance readiness and interoperability, underscores the robust defense partnership among Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the U.S., and places a special focus on legal operations, providing military lawyers (JAGs) from partner nations an invaluable opportunity to learn side-by-side.
The exercise involves a series of academics in the form of seminars to help expand legal skills for members of the Air Force, Space Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
“I consider the exchange of knowledge to be a critical factor, because it allows us to understand the different doctrines under which our military operate, therefore allowing the personnel involved to integrate in a successful manner,” said Peruvian Air Force Lt. Col. Jorge Laguna, legal officer.
Throughout the two weeks, participants explored a variety of military operations under specific topics, including law of armed conflict, women peace and security, maritime law, air intervention, cyberlaw, spacelaw and peacekeeping operations under the Charter of the United Nations.
“These academics and their results translate into integration and interaction between legal officers of four countries on specific topics and show that we, as an international group with different legal backgrounds, can work in an integrated manner,” Laguna said. “The topics that were covered during the exercise have provided essential knowledge for legal officers in order to optimize our job as legal advisors and legal operators.”
By working together, the U.S. and partner nation JAG officers can better understand each other's legal frameworks and operational procedures. This understanding is crucial for seamless cooperation in real-world missions.
“When the time for a mission comes, it's too late to prepare,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Logan Daniels, Combined Joint Task Force – RS24 legal officer, “and Resolute Sentinel gives our international coalition of JAGs the time and resources to test how we can support each other when the time for action comes.”
Beyond the professional training, the exercise serves as a platform for cultural exchange, fostering mutual respect and camaraderie among the participating forces.
“Relationships are the key to a successful international operation,” Daniels said. “Resolute Sentinel allows us to build trust with our Latin American partners and develop an appreciation for what each of us can bring to bear as we face the challenges of the future.”
As RS24 comes to a close, it sets a precedent for future collaborations. The lessons learned and the relationships forged during these two weeks will have a lasting impact, enhancing the operational effectiveness and legal readiness of both nations' forces.
“The JAGEX represents partnership and solidarity – it helps the interaction and integration between legal experts from the U.S. and partner nations such as Perú so they can have a better understanding of how each nation works,” Laguna said. “It has been an amazing experience to be able to interact with military personnel from many countries and to analyze the topics covered in the exercise. It has been a fruitful reminder and proof that it is possible to integrate and act as an effective team.”
In a world where multinational cooperation is increasingly vital, exercises like Resolute Sentinel ensure that the U.S. and its allies remain prepared to face any challenge together, guided by a shared commitment to justice and the rule of law.
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 06.15.2024 09:52 |
| Story ID: | 473987 |
| Location: | LIMA, PE |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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