WILLEMSTAD – A French military platoon from Martinique completed a training exercise in Curaçao this week, working alongside Dutch Caribbean military personnel to strengthen regional cooperation and joint operational capabilities.
The French soldiers are members of the 2nd Company of the 33rd Marine Infantry Regiment (33e RIMa), based at Fort Desaix in Martinique.
During their stay in Curaçao, the French platoon trained with the boat platoon and Curaçaoan military personnel (CURMIL), combining amphibious exercises with tactical training in an urban environment.
The amphibious portion of the exercise included transferring personnel between vessels while traveling at different speeds and conducting landings from the water. The training concluded with a scenario that required troops to maneuver before carrying out a rapid withdrawal.
French troops and CURMIL personnel also conducted joint exercises at the former St. Elisabeth Hospital (SEHOS) complex in Willemstad.
The location provided an environment where the participants could practice tactical skills associated with military operations in urban areas.
According to Defense, the exercise demonstrates the strong cooperation between the military partners. Joint training allows the units to exchange knowledge and operational experience while becoming more familiar with each other's methods and capabilities.
The cooperation also strengthens relationships among military forces operating in the Caribbean region.
Defense emphasized that exchanging expertise and regularly conducting joint exercises are important for improving interoperability and contributing to regional security and stability.