Capt. De Leon Whatever else one may say about the desire to have the best in the new Inter-Agency Border Unit (IABU, and was told late yesterday that is correct), it is exemplified by having the majority of the leadership come from the Kaibiles (Kaibil, individual). While there are a couple of positions not held by members of this elite unit, all the field/operational leaders are from that unit. An officer talking to a squad playing OpFor What are the Kaibiles? A quick and accurate description is that they are the Guatemalan version of our Rangers. A more precise description would be to say that they combine that Ranger component with aspects of the Gurkhas and other elite forces into something uniquely their own. Their motto says it all: If I advance, follow me. If I stop, urge me on. If I retreat, kill me. Briefing before an exercise The training is intense and two classes are run each year. According to some reports, while 64 start each class no more than 10 have made it through any given class. Any member of the armed forces can apply to take the training, but a rigorous physical and psychological testing process weeds out even before the class starts. Part of the testing and training is designed to evaluate the candidates military and moral capabilities (according to multiple reports), and during the training each candidate is assigned a fellow candidate as a "Brother." If one brother makes a mistake, both pay the cost. Discussing an exercise as an observer looks on During training, it is reported that the right to eat and the right to sleep must both be earned. It is worth noting that the training takes place at a location known as "El Infierno" or Hell, so called for the extreme temperatures in this jungle location. There are number of interesting rituals referred to during and at the end of training, including having to drink out of a mug with a bayonet tied to it so as to teach caution. A High Dynamic Range (HDR) treatment of the discussion image While the were formed to do anti-guerrilla work, today the focus for the unit is more on anti-terrorism and anti-narcotics operations. I can say without reservation that while I found the Kaibiles I met to be decent leaders, I was particularly impressed with three of them. The fact that I had several of the trainers who had worked with the IABU confirm to me that they were indeed "High Speed, Low Drag" confirmed the good impression. For the IABU, leadership will be critical. Having the Kaibiles, especially those three I got to know and respect even during the brief time I was there with Army South, in leadership positions provides a good foundation. What will come remains to be seen, but a foundation is there. LW This trip and other embeds sponsored by MilitaryLuggage.Com and B.N. Shape Clothing. My thanks to them and to everyone who has contributed to make this and other trips possible. Be sure to check out my Facebook Page and Laughing Wolf for other photos, stories, and more. A variety of advertising sponsorships are available, and you can contribute to this trip and other embeds at GoFundMe. HDR version of photo by Scott Bragg (NSFW) who is dragging me into HDR photography and otherwise forcing me out of creative ruts. You might also enjoy his wife's venture into a creative way to let people know if you "give an F" (potentially NSFW).
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Jul 02 2013, 12:27 AM
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