Last week, the ‘Compagnie in de West’ (Company in the West) successfully concluded an exercise on Bonaire. The exercise focused on leadership, cooperation, and strengthening physical and mental resilience. During the exercise, the soldiers carried out various challenging activities. For instance, they descended Mount Brandaris and trained using different scenarios, including transporting an injured person on a stretcher. Swimming and rowing back were also on the program, whereby teamwork and perseverance were the focal points.
In addition to the military training, the soldiers participated in the Washington Park Trail Run. They assisted with the event preparations and ran the trail themselves. In so doing they combined community service with a sporting challenge.
The exercise on Bonaire was conducted in light of the constitutional duties the armed forces fulfill in the Caribbean region. One such duty is the ability to defend national territory. Furthermore, the ‘Compagnie in de West’ is responsible for providing military assistance when this is required. To this end, it is essential that the soldiers are thoroughly familiar with all the islands.
