Punta Arenas. Between August 8 and 22, IM Detachment No. 4 "Cochrane" developed a period of professional exchange with personnel of the United States Marine Corps, called SMEE ("Subject Matter Experience Exchange") Cold Weather Training(SMAP).
For the development of the exchange, the Task Unit (UT) "Frost" was formed, composed of the VICAI Platoon belonging to the IM Detachment No. 4 "Cochrane", a Main Staff, a Logistics Support Party and a Platoon of the United States Marine Corps (USMC).
The first phase, developed in dependencies of the "Cochrane" Detachment, consisted of a phase of familiarization between the participating units and instruction of various techniques in cold weather.
The second stage was executed on Dawson Island, during which various military actions were carried out in cold weather. Among the activities carried out were navigation in rubber boats, construction of shelters, patrolling, obtaining wild food, land survival and survival at sea supported by personnel from the Naval Base located in Port Harris.
The third phase consisted of a period of "application of snow techniques" in the general area of Punta Arenas, where the "Escarcha" Task Unit carried out igloo construction, snowshoeing and ending with an ascent to Mount Tarn.
The UT developed activities based on the organization of the VICAI platoon, working in three squads and integrating the USMC personnel to each of them. This situation benefited the exchange of experiences in both units, giving a more personalized knowledge and generating close ties.
The work done in cold weather was beneficial for the Marines of both countries, since they were able to exchange knowledge and experiences about what it was like to train in a hostile environment and with bad weather conditions.
This period generated a broad interest to replicate similar activities between the United States and Chile, contributing to continue strengthening ties and exchanging experiences.
