Colombian Army undergoes NATO interoperability evaluations

The Colombian Army is undergoing a series of technical evaluations at the Tolemaida Military Base to verify that its infantry and engineering units meet NATO standards. This assessment is part of the Alliance’s Operational Capability Concepts (OCC) program, designed to ensure interoperability between Colombian forces and NATO global partners.

The evaluation involves 1,252 specific tasks, including combat scenarios such as ambushes, casualty extractions, and military engineering maneuvers. Thirty-four observers from 15 different countries are monitoring the exercises to ensure procedures align with international protocols. Colonel Valerio Perez Yepes, the exercise director, noted that the goal is to confirm that existing Colombian military practices already conform to NATO criteria rather than introducing entirely new ones.

This exercise represents the NEL-2 level of assessment. According to NATO senior monitor Colonel Michael Klein, these could be the first units in Latin America to reach this specific level of land capability certification. Colombia has maintained status as a NATO global partner since 2013 and entered a customized partnership program in 2021. The final results will be submitted to NATO’s highest authority in Europe for official certification.