FAO Experience Track
Sample Essay

The perspectives I have of Latin America were developed over 18 years of immersion as a local. Social awareness, familiarity of speech, understanding of issues that matter in the region vs. issues important outside of the region are second nature to me. I was born and raised in Colombia, and finished high school in Panama. The political environment of Colombia and Panama shaped my cultural awareness and political understanding of these two countries’ overall climate as well as neighboring countries in the region. My understanding of Latin America is complemented by 23 years in the United States, including 21 years of service as a Marine. The Marine Corps has a culture all its own, which I understand well through 7 years of enlisted and 14 years of commissioned service. My first-hand exposure and experience in foreign countries have left a continuing personal interest in following social and political events in Panama, Colombia, and Latin America as a whole. I follow significant events pertinent to the region. Many have impacted the economy and security of the United States as well. The transition of operations and management of the Panama Canal to Panama in December 1999, and current efforts by President Santos against the FARC are among them.
The transition of the Panama Canal and its surrounding territories marked a historical event for Panama and the U.S. Panama’s political position strengthened in relation to its Latin American neighbors by assuming responsibility of managing this critical and strategic asset. Operation of the canal represents significant revenue for Panama’s economy ($200M per year). The U.S. relinquished considerable presence and military bases in the area, and the revenue from the canal’s annual tariffs. Canal expansion efforts are underway that will result in higher income paid by larger cargo ships.
Colombia shares a border with Panama. Cartel drug war has been ongoing for over 40 years. The U.S. lived up to political promises to leave Panama, and lost collateral security benefits of bases and forces in the area to inhibit drug cartel operations. All along the Colombian side of the border, the drug cartels war endures. Considerable U.S. generosity in aid to Colombia has assisted President Santos’ efforts to debilitate the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). This stems from U.S. War on Drugs policy, and has continued effectively under Colombian President Alvaro Uribe. The FARC has not been eradicated completely, but its operations have been squeezed out of Colombia to a significant extent, spilling into Central America. Domestically, Panama President Santos faces even more complex challenges while fighting the FARC today, specifically due to severed diplomatic relations with neighbors Venezuela and Ecuador. The social, cultural, and political dynamics of Latin America interest me. I look forward to applying my language, base of knowledge and familiarity with Latin America as a Marine FAO to impact future plans and operations in the region.