Beyond the Horizon (BTH) exercises are organized in a three-year phased support strategy for each participating nation.  In the initial year, military planners set the stage for major U.S. military deployment and training events.  The second year is when forces deploy to each nation and conduct training and humanitarian/civic assistance missions.  In the third and final year, U.S. military representatives conduct follow-up activities, additional renovations, medical services, etc.

The three-year plan results in better humanitarian support, stronger local relationships and more persistent community involvement. 

Location of second year ops (major training and humanitarian assistance):

§  Colombia

§  Dominican Republic

§  Jamaica

Location of third year ops (follow-up with 2008 training locations):

§  Honduras

§  Trinidad & Tobago

§  Suriname

Deploying U.S. personnel:

About 350 U.S. service members, representing National Guard and Reserve forces from all services, will be in Colombia, Dominican Republic and Jamaica at any one time during the exercise. The vast majority of personnel will deploy for short periods of time, not including long-term staff. 

Smaller groups of troops will also deploy to Honduras, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago to conduct similar humanitarian/civic assistance operations.  The missions in those countries are part of the third year follow up mission from BTH 08.

BTH requires units to carefully plan and conduct logistical operations to support these deployments to remote regions.  Such mobilization and real-world execution provides unparalleled training that can not be simulated in the United States.

Humanitarian services provided:

CONSTRUCTION: Troops will build/renovate schools, medical clinics, community centers, water wells, and road improvements.

MEDICAL: U.S. military health care professionals will conduct three Medical Readiness Training Exercises (MEDRETEs) in each country, providing general and specialized medical and dental services to thousands of citizens requiring care.  The exercises also include veterinarian care, a vital service that ensures the health of valuable food sources and helps prevent diseases that could be passed from animals and livestock to a population.

Engagement Activities:

BTH exercises in  Colombia, Dominican Republic and Jamaica will include Small Unit Familiarization Program engagements, reciprocal platoon exchanges, Subject Matter Expertise Exchanges and state partnership activities.

Background:

Beyond the Horizon is a joint service, interagency Combined Field Training Exercise.  Began in 2008, BTH continues U.S. Southern Command’s proud legacy of humanitarian civic assistance exercise programs. 

BTH is a concept that integrates several U.S. Army South (USARSO) events under one umbrella thereby making best use of resources. The Texas-based USARSO is the coordinating authority for the planning and execution of this exercise, which is sponsored by U.S. Southern Command.  The governments of each participating nation, the U.S. Department of State, and Department of Defense have carefully evaluated and approved these exercises

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Key Points:

§ Beyond the Horizon missions are designed to foster goodwill and improve relations between the United States and the governments of the region. Better government-to-government and people-to-people relations mean better responses to the challenges that face our partnerships in the Caribbean and the Americas.

§ Beyond the Horizon exercises are essential for U.S. reserve components readiness and serve to enhance partner nation ability to mobilize and deploy in support of their national interests.

§ Beyond the Horizon helps improve the quality of life for the people living in rural area while at the same time improving the partner nation’s capability and providing opportunities for U.S. personnel to refine engineering, medical, mobilization and deployment skills.

§ Beyond the Horizon improves security cooperation through humanitarian and civic assistance, increased participation by partner nation agencies, training event engagements, and key leader engagements resulting in a cohesive relationship that enhances lasting democratic institutions.