Three Salvadoran Special Forces soldiers excel in military competition in the United States
Three soldiers from the Special Forces of the Army Salvadorans have achieved top rankings in the 12-mile forced march uphill as part of the military exercise “The Best Warrior 2024” organized by the United States National Guard.
The Minister of Defense of El Salvador, Vice Admiral Francis Merino, praised the soldiers for their performance, stating that “the low temperatures were not an impediment for our soldiers to obtain the first three places in the 12-mile forced march. Congratulations for raising the name of the Armed Forces of El Salvador (FIELD).”
The Best Warrior competition is a rigorous three-day event that tests military members’ tactical and technical expertise through various graded events. The 2024 edition took place in the United States and was organized by the New Hampshire National Guard. The Salvadoran military members who excelled in the competition are sergeants Carlos Enrique Martínez Villalta and Raúl Antonio Hernández Martínez, as well as cape Mauricio de Jesús Jacobo Cadenas.
The Special Forces of El Salvador are considered one of the best allies of the United States in Latin America, having accompanied the US in the intervention in Iraq following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
This year’s edition of El Mejor Guerrero was held at the Edward Cross Training Complex in Pembroke, New Hampshire, showcasing the high performance of Salvadoran soldiers under the National Guard State Partnership Program between New Hampshire and El Salvador.
In a previous competition, a FAES shooting team won the trophy “Remington Centennial” at the National Guard Marksmanship Competition 2023 in Fort Devens, Massachusetts, further highlighting the skills and dedication of Salvadoran military personnel.
The longstanding partnership between the New Hampshire National Guard and the Ministry of National Defense of El Salvador has proved to be fruitful, fostering collaboration and excellence in military training and competitions.