US and Guatemala Join Forces in New Drills

Over 60 Arkansas National Guardsmen have deployed to Guatemala for CENTAM Guardian 2025, a multinational exercise aimed at strengthening U.S. and regional defenses against cartels and transnational criminal organizations. Running from May 12 to 23, the exercise enhances information sharing, readiness, and operational capabilities among forces from the U.S., Guatemala, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Honduras.

Arkansas units involved include the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 188th Wing, 77th Theater Aviation Brigade, 142nd Field Artillery Brigade, and 233rd Regiment. The Guardsmen are supporting infantry operations, medical outreach, and translation services. A field hospital in Jutiapa is expected to treat up to 400 local patients daily for several days.

The U.S. Southern Command emphasized the importance of the exercise in countering threats that destabilize the region and erode democratic institutions. Arkansas and Guatemala have been partners in the State Partnership Program since 2002.