Three soldiers from Curaçao undergo rigorous officer training in the Netherlands

ROTTERDAM – Three soldiers from Curaçao are currently participating in Operational Training for Marine Officers (POTOM) in the Netherlands. This intensive training, which lasts nine months, is a crucial step in the professional development of military personnel in the Caribbean.

The fact that training is difficult is clear from the training success rates. Training began last year with 42 soldiers, fourteen of whom reached the finish line of this toughest military training in Europe.

Aspiring officers Carmelia, Martina and Koster have successfully completed the first two phases of POTOM and will be at the start of the next phases at the end of February. This training enables them to work optimally in the Caribbean.

Due to their excellent performance, they have also requested to participate in Phases 3 and 4, where they will learn to lead larger groups of soldiers at a higher level. The training ends with a final temporary camp in the last week of June, where all aspects trained on are put to the test.

Lieutenant Mullins, the last soldier from Curaçao to complete this rigorous training in the Netherlands in 2020, is very proud of the accomplishments of these participants. He sees great potential in the aspiring officers for the future of the military sector in Curaçao.

Promoting Curaçao and Aruba soldiers to higher ranks is one of the Caribbean's defense priorities for the coming years. This initiative ensures a sustainable and professional career for Curaçao and Aruba soldiers in the region and contributes to peace and security in the Caribbean.