The Motorized Brigade N°1 Calama from I Division of the Chilean’s Army recently conducted the field training exercise Andean Sentinel to evaluate and certify the development of the capabilities of its members in combat situations. The exercise took place at the instruction premises Eyes of Saint Peter, which is located at an altitude of more than 3,800 meters above sea level. The training involved both day and night modes and tested the unit’s real capabilities in combat scenarios.
The exercise utilized a range of technical and personal means, including the recoilless cannon M40A1, 106mm mortar Let go, 81mm recoilless cannon Saab Carl Gustaf, and 84mm rocket launcher AT4. The goal was to evaluate the performance of the personnel and the degree of operational readiness as close to reality as possible. The exercise also included complex scenarios such as facing different stressors like wind, altitude, cold, extreme heat, and rain in the summer period.
The Infantry Battalion No. 15 Calama played a key role in the exercise, with Captain Alexis Ramirez, the battalion’s commander, stating that the exercise allowed the unit to certify and evaluate their section and platoon level units in different combat techniques typical of the infantry.
The exercise also featured an inter-arms exercise with the Engineer Battalion No. 1 Atacama of the Motorized Brigade No. 1 Calama, implementing defensive actions and developing the shot without incident.
The origins of the Calama Motorized Brigade No. 1 date back to Andean Battalion No1 of the Mountain Detachment, and over the years, it has evolved through various name changes and mergers with other units, ultimately becoming the Motorized Brigade No. 1 Calama.
At present, the brigade consists of the Calama Infantry Battalion No. 15, the Atacama Engineer Battalion No. 1, the Artillery Group No. 10 Burgoño equipped with towed howitzers Let go M-71 155 mm, and a barracks unit. The success of the Andean Sentinel exercise highlights the unit’s commitment to training and preparedness for combat situations.