Within Colombia’s Elite Sky Soldiers Trained for Jungle Warfare

In the heart of the Colombian jungle lies the Tolemaida military base, where the country’s elite soldiers, known as “sky soldiers,” undergo brutal training to prepare for deadly missions against drug cartels and militant groups, the Daily Star initially reported.

Deep in the dense jungles of Colombia, the Tolemaida military base operates like a clandestine fortress surrounded by rebel-held territory. This base is no ordinary military installation: it is the training ground for Colombia’s most elite fighters, who are tasked with some of the country’s most dangerous missions. According to The Daily Star, the soldiers trained here are prepared to fight the country’s most ruthless enemies, including drug cartels and armed militant groups.

Tolemaida is no ordinary base; it is a crucible where the mentally and physically strongest are forged into elite operatives. Every year, special forces soldiers must spend at least 42 days at the base, enduring harsh conditions designed to simulate the intense pressure they will experience in the field. Their training is so arduous that, according to one soldier, Eduardo (a pseudonym), “the training has to be so brutal that war feels like a respite.”

This hidden stronghold is crucial in Colombia’s ongoing fight against crime and insurgency. Here, soldiers are not only trained, but transformed and molded into warriors capable of carrying out missions that require secrecy, precision and a high tolerance for extreme conditions.

The brutality of Lancero training

At the heart of the training at Tolemaida is what is known as “Lancero training”, a rigorous programme that prepares soldiers for operations that require them to infiltrate enemy territory by air or through treacherous terrain. As reported in The Daily Star, this training is not for the faint-hearted, with only a small proportion of those who attempt it succeeding. Of the 120 soldiers who tried to join the special forces, only 17 succeeded, underlining how difficult the selection process was.

One of the most important parts of Lancero training is preparing to land in tight jungle spaces or rappel down skyscrapers. Soldiers undergo exercises in which they scale a 50-foot-tall structure designed to simulate the experience of flying out of a helicopter or rappelling down a building. They carry all their gear, including M16 rifles and anti-venom supplies, as they practice rappelling down face-down on ropes—a method that requires both skill and nerves of steel.

Those who complete the training earn the title of “sky soldiers,” a designation reserved for the best of the best. As Luis (also a pseudonym), another soldier, noted, “Not everyone jumps; only the special forces do.” The intense physical and psychological demands of this training prepare these soldiers for the high-stakes missions they will encounter in the field, where failure is not an option.

Stress Surviving Course

Another important aspect of the training at Tolemaida is the “stress course”, an exercise designed to push soldiers to their limits and beyond. According to The Daily Star, this course tests endurance, agility and quick thinking under pressure. Soldiers must navigate a course marked with red and blue dots indicating danger zones, while carrying explosives, firing weapons and throwing grenades.

The stress course is more than just a physical challenge, it’s a psychological crucible that teaches soldiers to stay calm and focused in life-or-death situations. As Eduardo explained, “We train ourselves with real bullets. And it doesn’t matter how experienced you are or how much training you have; there’s a saying in Colombia that even doctors die.” This training is designed to prepare soldiers for the unpredictable nature of combat, where any mistake could be fatal.

In addition to the physical challenges, soldiers learn to work together silently, moving as one cohesive unit. They practice in the stifling heat and in the inhospitable terrain of the jungle, where every step can be treacherous. This training teaches them the discipline and precision needed to survive in the most dangerous environments.

The Psychological Toll of Elite Warfare

While the physical demands of training in Tolemaida are immense, the psychological toll is perhaps even greater. Soldiers like Eduardo and Luis are constantly aware of the dangers they will face during training and subsequent missions. These men are tasked with some of the most challenging operations in the country, often ranging from 25 to 40 missions a year, some lasting up to three weeks.

The fear of death is a constant companion for these soldiers, but it is not the fear of death itself that haunts them. Eduardo candidly told The Daily Star: “I think we’re all scared. Maybe it’s not the fear of dying. There’s that uncertainty and the sadness of not being able to talk to your family anymore. I think that’s what I’m most afraid of.” This emotional burden is something that every soldier in Tolemaida carries with them, even as they brace for the horrors of combat.

Despite the relentless demands, these soldiers understand the importance of their work. The secrecy surrounding their missions isn’t just a matter of protocol, it’s a matter of survival. Cartels and rebel groups are always on the lookout for information, and one leak could mean the difference between life and death.

Read also: Drug trafficking continues to undermine Colombia’s pursuit of peace

The Tolemaida military base is more than just a training camp: it’s a crucible that molds Colombia’s most elite soldiers, preparing them for the deadly and demanding missions that will define their careers. As initially reported by The Daily Star , the intense training these soldiers undergo is designed to ensure they’re ready for everything from navigating treacherous jungle terrain to infiltrating enemy strongholds. Yet the true test of their training lies not just in their physical prowess, but also in their mental resilience: the ability to face the constant threat of death and to do so with the knowledge that their success is vital to the safety and security of their country.