Peruvian Army Hosts Multinational Training Exercise in Amazon Jungle
The Peruvian Army has hosted Exercise Southern Vanguard 2026 (SV26), a multinational training exercise in the Amazon Jungle. The event, held from September 8 to 14, brought together nearly 400 soldiers from the U.S., Chile, Argentina, and Peru.
U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command representative Brig. Gen. Robert Kincaid welcomed participants, noting that this year's iteration marked a significant milestone in regional military cooperation. 'This is the first time you have opened your world-renowned jungle school here at Saucé to lead this critical exercise,' he said.
The exercise aimed to enhance the skills of warfighters in unfamiliar environments, with a focus on jungle tactics, waterborne operations, and survival. Participants cycled through Peruvian-led instruction, augmented by U.S. instructors, before culminating in a three-day field training exercise (FTX). The multinational force will maneuver through the jungle to complete tactical missions against opposing forces.
Peruvian Army Land Operations Command Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Kenneth Valverde Virhuez emphasized the importance of building relationships and interoperability during the exercise. 'Let the jungle put us to the test; let adversity strengthen us; let the training make us better; let interoperability increase our capabilities and let every day we share strengthen the bond of our armies,' he said.