They wake up at 5:00 AM every morning —oblivious to the date or weather— to hit the landing runway. In shorts, they counter the chilly jungle breeze jogging, training and warming up in the airfield. And they sing.
Such land sees neither weekends nor holidays, so the Sinchis gear up 7 days a week. Always ready, always fit and with a high morale to battle "narco-terrorists" on a daily basis.
Agents train under the vigilant eyes of Jesus Aguilar, team instructor. Today's session is part of the Human Rights workshop, a compulsory set of lessons to regulate the use of strength under legislative decree No. 1186.
"They are taught to work with strength, rather than violence," Aguilar explains.
Meanwhile, another group brushes up its parachuting skills at the "false door station," where Sinchis learn how to land on concrete —or any other surface— at any time.
Abseiling techniques are also covered.
A third area of the Sinchis barracks is reserved for amphibious operations: coming up with makeshift rafts to carry equipment while covering their backs with AKM rifles.
They work in teams, talking with signs, isolated for days.
Preparedness is the only way to strike strong blows against drug-traffickers and terrorists, and the only way to live by their motto: "Only those who are willing to die for a noble cause, are fit to live."
(END) JVV/DHT/MVB