The 'Galicia' 64 Ski and Mountaineering Company trains in high-mountain terrain alongside the Chilean Army

Personnel during the exercise

The Ski and Mountaineering Company of the “Galicia” 64 Regiment took part, from August 7 to 23, in Exercise "Filo Andino" 2026, conducted in Chile alongside Mountain Detachment No. 3 “Yungay”. The exercise brought together military personnel from both countries with the aim of strengthening interoperability and honing high-mountain combat techniques.

The training was structured in three phases. During the first, dedicated to standardizing knowledge, the military personnel shared tactics and procedures, conducted live-fire training with Chilean-issued weapons, and trained in handling pack mules for logistical transport in hard-to-reach areas.

During the second phase, focused on acclimatization to the terrain, the unit undertook a two-day ascent to Meseta Sur Peak (4,095 metres). Although the summit was ultimately not reached, the exercise made it possible to assess the military personnel’s physical response and management of exertion at altitude.

During the tactical phase, an offensive operation in a valley in the area was planned, but it had to be suspended due to the high avalanche risk, requiring the utmost caution in decision-making given the environmental conditions.

The training has strengthened the cohesion and technical readiness of the Spanish and Chilean Armies, consolidating a shared experience in the Andes mountain range.