The Company in the West is exercising on Bonaire until April 22. This unit of the Royal Netherlands Army is normally stationed on Curaçao. The purpose of the exercise is to prepare for Main Task 1: The defense of the Kingdom.
The company’s exercise consists of several elements. For instance, there is a scenario on the training grounds where they must liberate a fictional enemy. The soldiers are also conducting ‘social patrols’ in the vicinity of Kralendijk. During these patrols, they engage in conversation with the local population to establish contacts and exchange information.
The exercise on Bonaire is being held due to the constitutional duties the armed forces also have in the Caribbean Region. For instance, one of these duties is, the ability to defend one’s own territory. Additionally, the Company in the West is responsible for providing military assistance when necessary. To this end, it is essential that the soldiers are well acquainted with all the islands.
