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News from the Front:

Joint Force Land Component Command

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NEWS FROM THE FRONT

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Distribution Unlimited

January 2020

Multinational Noncommissioned Officer 

Professional Development:

U.S. Army South and the Colombian Army
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Photos: U.S. Army South photos taken and released by SGM Alejandro Pereyra-Alaniz, 

U.S. Army South Command surgeon sergeant major, assistant chief of staff-medical 

(ACS-MED).
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Multinational Noncommissioned Officer

Professional Development:

U.S. Army South and the Colombian Army 

SGM Alejandro Pereyra-Alaniz, 

U.S. Army South Command Surgeon Sergeant Major 

Mr. P. Keith Warman, Center for Army Lessons Learned 

Military Analyst (Forward), Fort Sam Houston, TX

Colombian Army Sergeants Major Academy PISAJ No. 12 (Acronym in Spanish for 

“Programa Integral Para Suboficiales de Alta Jerarquia No. 12”)

Overview

The Programa Integral Para Suboficiales de Alta Jerarquia No. 12 (PISAJ) program is a 

semi-annual event as recorded in U.S. Army South-Colombian Army (COLAR) bilateral 

staff talks agreed to actions through 2023. Specifically, it is a military-to-military 

engagement with the Colombian Military Joint Sergeants Major Academy. PISAJ 12 

was held at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA)-Fort Sam Houston, TX, from 21 OCT to 01 

NOV 2019. The U.S. Army South conducts two PISAJ engagements per year with 

COLAR and other partner-nation armies at Colombia’s discretion. 

Purpose

PISAJ is a geo-strategic military engagement focusing on developing, advancing, and 

professionalizing the COLAR’s noncommissioned officer (NCO) corps. This is 

accomplished through mutual objectives, shared knowledge, and relationship building 

among Army and joint institutions. 

Colombia has determined NCO development as one of the fundamental pillars of its 

overall Army transformation program. A professional NCO corps is recognized as an

essential component of any future COLAR combined arms force, capable of deploying 

alongside the U.S. Army worldwide. The U.S. supports and prioritizes Colombia’s 

transformation by increasing initiatives to enhance interoperability. This includes NCO 

professional development and collaborating on issues such as human resource reform, 

human rights, and gender integration.

During the 12th iteration of PISAJ, U.S. Army South orchestrated and facilitated 

specialized training to build on senior NCO leader competencies and increase the 

medical capabilities and knowledge of the COLAR sergeants major. The focus was to

educate Colombian joint force senior NCOs on best practices for developing a core 

curriculum for their future sergeants major academy, support to transformation 

initiatives, and synchronizing efforts to meet the U.S. Southern Command 
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(USSOUTHCOM) Theater Campaign Plan. Twenty-five sergeants major participated in 

this engagement. Among them were the COLAR senior enlisted advisor, chairman,

Joint Chiefs of Staff Office; COLAR sergeant major of the Army; and the Colombian Air 

Force command sergeant major. The 13th iteration is projected to be conducted at Fort 

Bliss, TX, from 24 MAY to 06 JUN 2020.

Engagement Objectives and Geographic Combatant Command Linkages

The PISAJ engagement directly supports U.S. Army South Line of Effort 1.2.3 (select 

partner-nation armies develop a professional NCO corps), a country campaign plan, 

and objectives to support COLAR transformation; specifically, COLAR reform efforts in 

its NCO development institutions. This engagement also supports USSOUTHCOM’s 

military imperatives of gender integration, NCO professional development, human 

rights, and joint force operations.

Desired End State/Outcomes

 Build on senior leader competencies and instill the necessity of joint operations in 

a complex world 

 Improve Colombia’s military senior NCO development systems and strengthen 

knowledge by preparing Colombian leaders while supporting the transformation 

initiatives of the COLAR and the USSOUTHCOM Theater Campaign Plan

 Continue promoting regional security by degrading transregional and 

transnational threat networks, responding rapidly to crises, and building 

relationships to meet global challenges

Execution/Agenda

Day 1: 21 OCT 2019

Day 1 of PISAJ 12 served two purposes. First, it allowed COLAR students to 

understand the complexity, task, purpose, and capabilities of the various service 

component commands that help shape the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility

(AOR). Second, it enabled COLAR sergeants major to form dialogue and relationships 

with senior enlisted leaders (SELs) from USSOUTHCOM component commands and 

across select U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command centers of excellence (CoEs). 

Multiple SELs provided overview briefs and facilitated discussion with the COLAR 

Sergeants Major Course (SMC) students. Briefers included: 

• USSOUTHCOM: Sgt. Maj. Bryan K. Zickefoose, USSOUTHCOM command 

sergeant major 

• Joint Task Force Bravo (JTF-B): CSM Alexander E. Aguilastratt, JTF-B 

command sergeant major 

• Noncommissioned Officer Leadership Center of Excellence: Mr. Juan J. Ortiz,

Jr. (representing CSM Jimmy J. Sellers), U.S. Army Sergeants Major 

Academy (USASMA)
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• Center for the Army Profession and Leadership (CAPL): SGM Kenya Jabob 

Dugger, CAPL sergeant major, Mission Command Center of Excellence 

• Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC): SGM 

Jose Carlos Bueno Saenz (representing CSM Jose Salvador Lopez), 

WHINSEC operations sergeant major 

• U.S. Air Force South (USAFSOUTH): Chief Master Sgt. John G. Storms, U.S. 

Air Force Air Combat Command, 12th Air Force, USAFSOUTH command 

chief master sergeant

• San Antonio Medical Center (SAMC): CSM Thomas R. Oates, SAMC

command sergeant major

• Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S): U.S. Coast Guard Master 

Chief Petty Officer Sean C. Edwards, JIATF-S command master chief

• Colombian National Army: SMC Jaime Salomon Ibañez, Sargento Mayor de 

Commando, Ejército de Colombia

Day 2: 22 OCT 2019

During Day 2 of PISAJ 12, three highly educated and seasoned USASMA course 

writers trained, mentored, and educated COLAR SMC students on the requirements to 

build a core curriculum for a professional NCO educational institution. USASMA is the 

premier military education institution that focuses on providing the Army with agile and 

adaptive SELs. USASMA instructors strive to provide the Army with adaptive SELs of 

character and competence who are prepared to be effective leaders. The Army 

depends on these leaders, grounded in Army and joint doctrine, to seize opportunities 

by leveraging and applying Army resources after graduating from the 10-month course. 

The USASMA instructors educated COLAR SMC students on the fundamentals of

applying the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE)

model to begin building a core curriculum framework for their future Sergeants Major 

Academy. The USASMA course instructors provided a three-hour didactic portion on 

the use and application of the ADDIE model, followed by five hours of work group 

assignments. Each of the small groups had three hours to develop tasks and objectives 

for their future Sergeants Major Academy core curriculum.
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Figure 1. USASMA course writer with students during a working group 

After completing the three-hour exercise, COLAR SMC students collectively created a 

purpose statement based on critical tasks and objectives. The purpose statements were 

shared and reviewed by USASMA staff, the U.S. Army South command sergeant major, 

and other select senior NCOs. CSM William Rinehart, U.S. Army South command 

sergeant major, provided guidance to COLAR SMC students for creating their final 

product, which was presented on the final week of PISAJ 12. 

Figure 2. ADDIE model
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DAY 3: 23 OCT 2019

Medical Center of Excellence CSM Buck O'Neal briefed COLAR SMC students. The 

purpose of the presentation was to provide a broad understanding of each military 

occupational specialty (MOS) within the 68 Series career management field (CFM) and 

to gain a shared understanding of the U.S. Army’s medical continuum of career-long 

education for medical professionals.

In addition to the CMF overview, CSM O’Neal articulated the importance of each of the 

nine enlisted corps functional programs offered by the Medical Center of Excellence and 

the enlisted combat medic career cycle, including the following:

 Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Executive Skills Course

 NCO Decision Science Course 

 Joint Medical Executive Skills Course

 Basic Health Care Administrative Course

 Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program 

 AMEDD Enlisted Commissioning Program 

 Training with Industry Program 

 Professional Postgraduate Short Course Program

 Enlisted Degree Program (respiratory specialist [MOS 68V], occupational therapy

specialist [MOS 68L], cytotechnology [MOS 68KM2])
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Figure 3. Example of enlisted combat medic training progression 

Following the presentation, COLAR SMC students visited the AMEDD NCO Academy 

and were greeted by its former Commandant, CSM Napoleon Noguerapayan. There,

the students received a presentation on the Advanced Leaders Course (ALC)/Senior 

Leaders Course (SLC) framework and enlisted promotions. Following the presentation, 

students familiarized themselves with the new classroom design and technology used to 

educate ALC/SLC students during a facilities tour.

Afterward, SGM Scott W. Cutter, senior enlisted U.S. Army National Guard advisor to 

U.S. Army South, gave a presentation regarding the State Partnership Program (SPP). 

The SPP is a joint Department of Defense (DOD) program managed by the U.S. Army 

National Guard and executed by geographic combatant commanders supporting their 

theater security cooperation plan with forces provided by aligned states. The SPP links 

a state’s National Guard with a partner nation’s military/security forces in a cooperative, 

mutually beneficial relationship. The SPP began in 1993 with partnerships between U.S. 

states and newly independent former Soviet republics, in coordination with U.S. 

European Command. The first USSOUTHCOM partnership in the SPP was 

Panama/Missouri, in 1996. The SPP has grown significantly since then, with 76 

worldwide current partnerships. 
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Figure 4. SPP state-to-country alignment in USSOUTHCOM AOR 

The day concluded with a tour of the AMEDD museum. The goal of the AMEDD

museum is to preserve the rich history of the evolution of military medicine and 

showcase the Soldiers who gave their lives to preserve the lives of others. The galleries 

and outdoor exhibit areas contain the 200-plus year history of AMEDD in both peace 

and war. The medical museum touches on themes such as battlefield medicine, patient 

evacuation, the evolution of medical equipment, and the care and treatment for 

wounded Soldiers from 1775 to present day. 

Costa Rica / New Mexico
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Figure 5. COLAR SMC students touring the AMEDD museum

DAY 4: 24 OCT 2019

The COLAR SMC students traveled to Camp Bullis, TX, to observe the combat medic

(68W) culmination field exercise at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Courage. This highprofile key-leader event was reported on by the U.S. Army South Public Affairs Office

and the Command Protocol Office. Also, Univision and the local JBSA Legacy 

newspaper provided media coverage for the event. During the four-hour event, COLAR 

SMC students observed tactical combat casualty care evaluations, base aid station 

operations, and patrol operations and actions during and following an indirect fire attack 

on the FOB. The students gained an appreciation for the resources and training 

methods employed to educate and train combat medic professionals. 

 

Figure 6. COLAR SMC students training at FOB Courage, Camp Bullis, TX
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In the afternoon, the following five presentations were provided to students on various 

U.S. Army South programs:

 Inspector General 

 Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Program (SHARP)

 Victim Advocate (VA)

 Equal Opportunity 

 Retention

The presentations were added to the PISAJ 12 schedule in response to the PISAJ 11 

after action report (AAR) comments requesting they be added. Of note, COLAR SMC 

students demonstrated interest in the SHARP and VA programs and plan on instituting 

these programs into their military. 

DAY 5: 25 OCT 2019

COLAR SMC students toured the Combat Medic Training Simulation Laboratory (SIM 

LAB) within the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC). The students were 

divided into two groups with each group viewing distinct scenarios within the combat 

trauma patient scenario (CTPS) lanes. Each lane was designed to provide practice for 

the beginner combat medic in dealing with multiple trauma patients in a simulated 

combat environment. Every mannequin used in the SIM LAB is valued at $50,000 to 

$80,000 and has the ability to simulate breathing, bleeding, execute full movement of 

arms and legs, blink, and display distinct vital signs.

The tour provided everyone first-hand experience on assessing battlefield injuries and

best practices for training the beginner combat medic. Realistic scenarios were 

demonstrated that could cause medical personnel to become potentially overwhelmed 

with trauma casualties. 
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Figure 7. COLAR SMC students at CTPS

After completing the CTPS lanes, COLAR SMC students toured the newly built METC 

campus where personnel in various MOSs are trained and educated. The students 

observed the following MOS courses: 

 Dental specialist

 Biomedical maintenance

 Radiology

 Operating room technician

 Orthopedics

In the afternoon, LTC Diana Hare, U.S. Army South Secretary of the General Staff, and 

MSG Araceli Pineda, U.S. Army South G-1 SEL, gave presentations on gender 

integration and women in the military. The presentations brought to light topics such as 

the history of integrating women into combat roles, family care plans, single parents in 

the military, and equal opportunity for women. Additionally, LTC Hare and MSG Pineda 

provided and discussed regulatory information regarding separation under Chapter 8 

and deployment readiness.

Following the presentations, COLAR SMC students engaged in dialogue with a panel of 

five command sergeants major, including:

 CSM Rinehart, U.S. Army South

 CMSgt Flores, Inter-American Air Forces Academy
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 CSM Noguerapayan, Noncommissioned Officer Academy

 CMSgt Blazier, 363 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing

 Command Master Chief Byrd, U.S. Navy South 

Panel leaders and students engaged in a two-hour discussion concerning topics 

importation to both nations, including:

 The type of leaders required to serve at the highest levels

 Paths to success

 Maintaining good order and discipline in units

 Mentoring officers

 Building trust

 Mission command principles

 The command sergeant major selection process

 How to become a part of an efficient command team

 Advice from each command sergeant major on expectation management for 

newly promoted students

 

Figure 8. Joint command sergeants major panel
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DAY 6: 26 OCT 2019

The COLAR sergeants major participated in a cultural event where they visited 

downtown San Antonio, including seeing the Alamo and Riverwalk areas. They enjoyed 

a day out on the town with their peers and were able to eat Mexican cuisine, visit 

cultural arts stores, and appreciate cultural events at the Old Market Square.

DAY 7: 27 OCT 2019

The COLAR sergeants major worked on their project of building a core curriculum 

framework for the future U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. No significant activities 

with U.S. Army South took place on this date.

DAY 8: 28 OCT 2019

CSM Karim M. Mella, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, gave a presentation to 

COLAR SMC students on the Wounded Warrior Program. CSM Mella explained that in 

2005, policies were established to fill care gaps and provide a lifetime of advocacy for 

wounded warriors in the U.S. military. He also pointed out that in 2013, the National 

Defense Authorization Act recognized the care coalition as one of five DOD warrior care 

programs that provides collaborative cross-service and interagency warrior care. The 

presentation was informative for the COLAR because its military shares many of the 

same wounded warrior issues and challenges the U.S. military currently faces. 

 

Figure 9. Four phases of the wounded warrior program 
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Following CSM Mella’s wounded warrior presentation, Mr. Warman provided an 

overview of the COLAR Lessons Learned Program known as “Project Daniel.” In 

Colombia, the program is known as “Dirección de Lecciones Aprendidas (DILEA).” 

Mr. Warman explained that DILEA’s mission involves compiling and analyzing

experiences originated in military operations, training, and administrative activities.

Based on these findings, DILEA’s mission is to develop lessons, best practices, and 

timely solutions to improve the performance of the operational force and impact the 

capacity of the institutional Army. DILEA supports these goals by:

 Collecting on operational, training, and administrative events that occur within the 

fulfillment of the national Army's mission

 Proposing changes in the doctrine of the force, based on the experiences 

analyzed

 Analyzing lessons learned from other forces, nationally and internationally, to 

identify effective practices

 Using computer programs and a database to collect, store, and disseminate the 

experiential memory of the force

Figure 10. Mr. Warman, center, with PISAJ participants

In the afternoon, COLAR SMC students toured the Center for the Intrepid and Institute 

of Surgical Research Burn Center on the SAMC campus. Representatives of each 

facility outlined services offered to the enrolled wounded Soldiers. 

 

DAY 9: 29 OCT 2019

In the morning, COLAR SMC students conducted a tour of the Vogel Resiliency Center 

on JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. The center’s staff prepared three resiliency exercises for 
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the COLAR SMC students over a three-hour period. Students learned various resiliency 

concepts and how to be better leaders through the use of mindfulness and community.

For example, the “teaching kitchen” exercise allowed the Colombian military to see a 

different dimension by using food as a metaphor representing significant life issues.

 

 Figure 11. Working groups participating in the “teaching kitchen” exercise 

In the afternoon, COLAR SMC students visited the Medical Center of Excellence Flight 

Paramedic Course and toured the flight paramedic training facility. Students had an 

opportunity to see the various helicopter simulators, in-flight mannequin training aids, 

and advanced medical interventions used by flight paramedics to save lives. 

Following the flight paramedic demonstration, students received a presentation on the 

international program where they learned about the medical programs offered by the 

Medical Center of Excellence to various partner-nation militaries. 

The day culminated with a presentation on mission command by SGM Michael Berry,

U.S. Army South G-3. The briefing and discussion illuminated the value of the six 

mission command principles and the importance of trust between the commander and 

his subordinates. Most importantly, emphasis was placed on the criticalness of ensuring 

solid communication exists when the commander explains his vision and the importance 

of adding the end state of the mission to each of the mission orders, including the 

warning order and fragmentary order. 

DAY 10: 30 OCT 2019

This day was spent exclusively at Lackland Air Force Base, TX, and began with a 

military working dog (MWD) demonstration by the 37th Training Wing. MWD instructors 

demonstrated how animals are cared for, trained, used, and maintained. Following the 

demonstration, COLAR sergeants major toured the U.S. Air Force Airman Heritage 
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Museum & Enlisted Character Development Center where they learned about Airmen 

enlisted history and the evolution of Air Force equipment.

In the afternoon, COLAR sergeants major toured the Inter-American Air Force Academy 

(IAAFA). IAAFA staff members presented information on various programs, including a 

brief history of the academy. 

 Figure 12. COLAR SMC students at Lackland Air Force Base, TX

 

DAY 11: 31 OCT 2019

This was a critical and culminating day of instruction and dialogue. COLAR SMC 

students conducted a formal AAR of PISAJ 12 by giving a presentation of their 

consolidated AAR comments. Following the AAR, the COLAR sergeants major

participated in a certificate presentation ceremony in Blesse Auditorium at the Medical 

Center of Excellence. Senior Master Sgt. Ernesto Otero from G-6, Medical Center of 

Excellence, and Tech. Sgt. Sanchez, IAAFA, led and facilitated the ceremony.

After the certificate presentation ceremony, COLAR SMC students received a shocking 

personal life experience presentation by SFC John Hoxie, U.S. Army South, who was 

severely injured in combat during an improvised explosive device incident. SFC Hoxie’s 

personal account brought all the PISAJ 12 events full circle because his experience 

touched on many of the themes discussed throughout PISAJ 12. Topics included pointof-care injury by combat medics (68Ws), flight paramedics, San Antonio Medical Center 

of Excellence facilities, Wounded Warrior Program, and all the elements of resiliency. 

COLAR sergeants major then discussed topics and programs they would like to see 

included for the next iteration of PISAJ. 
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Figure 13. Group photo of the PISAJ 12 graduating class