Southern Star

Southern Star/Estrella Austral is a Combined Joint Task Force exercise hosted in Chile and sponsored by SOCSOUTH designed to foster alliances and regional relations. When the exercise began in 2007, there were only two participating countries; in 2009, the number grew to five countries with nearly 850 participants from Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and the United States.

The exercise is based on a scenario where a multinational force conducts stability operations while implementing a United Nations Security Council resolution. The training allows the opportunity to share techniques, tactics and procedures that build the capacity to function as a multinational force.

Each participating nation sends a selection of different special operations forces and support specialties from their army, navy, air force and marine components.

While participating in the exercise scenario, the multinational force is challenged daily to perform a variety of missions including command and control, reconnaissance, direct action, combat search and rescue, civil affairs, maritime interdiction, hostage rescue and medical evacuation.

During last year's exercise a team from Special Operations Command-Joint Forces Command was present as observer trainers to provide feedback and document lessons learned. According to SOCJFCOM, past working relationships and language commonality led to a seamless integration between partner nations.

Participating nations in Southern Star have developed a solid working relationship based on mutual respect and open exchange of ideas.

These lasting partnerships improve cooperation and allow for increased operational interoperability and capability.