Change of command at WHINSEC

Colonel Félix L. Santiago (Courtesy)

At Fort Benning near Columbus, a change of command at The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation – previously known as The School of The Americas.

Latin American military personnel during a training session at WHINSEC. (Dave Bender/file photo)

Colonel Félix Santiago on Tuesday replaced 31-year army veteran Colonel Gilberto Pérez, who headed the facility for the last four years. Pérez is retiring from active duty.

Santiago is a native of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico, and a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico. He also holds a Master in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Santiago is the third commander of the organization, and has served with the Multinational Force in the Sinai; the US Army Section Chief, US Military Group – Perú; Military Group Commander in El Salvador, and as the most recent US Observer to the Conference of Central American Armed Forces among other postings, according to a WHINSEC statement.

WHINSEC headquarters: a stained glass window with the institution's seal, overlooking training areas on Fort Benning. (Dave Bender/file photo)

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