WILLEMSTAD – Soldiers of the Caribbean Militia (CARMIL) have carried out an amphibious military exercise on Curaçao, simulating a coastal assault as part of preparations for operations in the Caribbean region.
The training focused on rapid deployment from sea to land, a capability considered strategically important given the geography of the region. During the exercise, units approached the coastline by boat before disembarking and carrying out a simulated operation in the Mount Pleasant area.
Aspiring corporals from the Advanced Vocational Training program (VVO) used the exercise to develop leadership skills, working alongside recruits from the basic training program (Initial Military Training, EMV). The joint operation allowed participants to practice coordination and command under realistic conditions.
The exercise was conducted at night to better reflect operational scenarios. Military personnel used standard-issue weapons, including the MAG machine gun and the C7 rifle, both commonly deployed within the armed forces of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The amphibious training formed part of a specialized training week for VVO participants, focused on operations originating from the sea. For EMV recruits, the exercise marked the final phase of their training, known as the final exercise (FINEX). Upon completion, participants undertook a 25-kilometer march before being formally received at Fort Amsterdam.
The Caribbean Militia plays a supporting role within the defense structure in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Its units are deployed for tasks such as guarding key locations, assisting civil authorities, and, when required, participating in military operations.
Exercises like this are aimed at strengthening operational readiness, particularly in a region where maritime mobility and rapid response capabilities are essential.