Willemstad:--- During a military ceremony on Monday morning, March 2, 2026, Company Rotation 50 handed over its tasks to the next unit, Rotation 51. The new commander, Captain Marnix, took over command from his predecessor during a traditional paddle handover.
After four intensive months in the Caribbean, Captain Roderik looks back with satisfaction on the collaboration and training of Charlie/Tijger Company. The unit conducted training sessions across the islands, including a medical element. It was a unique opportunity for the unit to train in this tropical climate. Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba gave the platoons the opportunity to conduct tactical training and develop specialized skills. The firing range on Curaçao offers the opportunity to conduct integrated live fire exercises with mortars and snipers, supported by unmanned systems and drones. We were also able to collaborate with Curaçaoan military personnel and the Coast Guard. It was remarkable to see how, despite differences in background and working methods, we could jointly contribute to safety and stability.
Bravo "Bull" Company is beginning its fifth rotation in the Caribbean. Captain Marnix is looking forward to working and training with his unit in the region. As part of 11 Infantry Battalion, ‘Garderegiment Grenadiers en Jagers’, they are normally deployed
from helicopters or by parachute, within the three main tasks of the armed force. The company provides high-quality combat power from the air to the ground. As a company in the West, the emphasis is primarily on foot-based operations. The unit will be reinforced for the next 4.5 months with the medical capacity of 11 Medical Company. In addition to being prepared for and carrying out missions for CZMCARIB, the focus is on an in-house training program to further prepare the unit. The climate and environment of the Caribbean part of the
Kingdom offers an excellent opportunity to work on personnel's physical and mental development, leadership, and resilience. Captain Marnix and his team look forward to collaborating with local security partners and expect it to be an enjoyable and useful period by taking advantage of the various training opportunities.
The Royal Netherlands Army has a permanent company in the Caribbean. This unit, under the command of CZMCARIB, can be deployed for a variety of tasks. Over the next four months, the company will train in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.
