New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Isabel Smith, Director, Joint Staff, New York National Guard delivers remarks during the opening ceremony for Exercise Southern Vanguard 24 in Macapa, Brazil, on Nov. 6, 2023. Exercise Southern Vanguard 24 is designed for U.S. Army Soldiers to conduct pre-deployment activities, deploy and conduct air assault operations while enhancing interoperability with Brazilian army forces.