By Irene M. Zoppi Rodríguez, Brig Gen, USA (Ret)
Nearly 200 participants, including approximately 90 foreign officers, gathered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, September 2–5 for the XXVI International Congress of the Pan-American Union of Reserve Officers of the Armed Forces (UPORFA). Hosted by Argentina’s reserve officers association, UNOR, the congress marked UPORFA’s 30th anniversary and focused on “Multi-Domain Operations: Current Status, Future Challenges, and Reserve Force Integration.” Approximately 250 participants attended the closing gala.
Reserve officers and military leaders from Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, and the United States exchanged regional experiences and considered how reserve forces can contribute to hemispheric security. ROA coordinated U.S. participation, providing a connection between our reserve community and professionals serving across the Americas.
The congress addressed reserve modernization, cyber defense, infrastructure protection, and humanitarian assistance. Delegations shared how their nations employ reservists in security operations, disaster response, and support to communities. These exchanges highlighted the specialized civilian expertise that reserve members bring to military service, particularly in medicine, logistics, engineering, and technology.
One practical opportunity was the Tactical Emergency Casualty Care course sponsored by UNOR. The program combined online instruction with an in-person practical day at the Argentine Joint Training Center for Peace Operations. Training addressed hemorrhage control, casualty extraction, triage, and evacuation preparation, giving participants foundational skills for responding when threats or operational conditions complicate medical assistance.
The establishment of the UPORFA Medical Committee provided another avenue for international reserve cooperation. Academic presentations, discussions with military leaders, and institutional visits offered opportunities to exchange professional knowledge and build relationships. An accompanying friends and family program introduced participants to Argentina’s history and culture.
Kudos to COL Nikki Buxman for her hard work coordinating the U.S. delegation and its logistics. The UPORFA U.S. delegation recognized her with a lion sculpture, and UNOR Argentina presented her with a medal. We also congratulate her on her selection for command of the 166th Regional Support Group at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, and welcome MAJ Fiorella Estefes as the incoming co-coordinator.
Captain César Iván Suárez Atencia of the Colombian Naval Reserve assumed UPORFA’s international presidency during the congress. Continued engagement will help carry the professional exchanges and relationships developed in Buenos Aires into future activities.
For reserve members interested in international service and professional development, ROA’s participation in UPORFA offers a connection to colleagues facing shared challenges throughout the hemisphere. Our military experience and civilian skills can contribute to that work, while we learn from the experience of others. Together we can strengthen cooperation, readiness, and service to our communities.
Learn more about participation opportunities on ROA’s International Programs page.
