The rescuers of the Colombian Aerospace Force, FAC, represent the vocation of service in its maximum expression: men and women who descend into risky environments with a single mission, to save lives; which is why in August this work is commemorated, an initiative that was born to pay tribute to those who, with discipline and courage, make routine what for others would be an extraordinary feat. Each descent and rescue operation in hostile terrain evokes the legacy of those who gave their lives in the line of duty, symbolizing the unwavering commitment to never leave anyone behind.
In 2025, the rescuers of the Air Combat Command No.1, CACOM 1, in Puerto Salgar, department of Cundinamarca, have participated in 37 search and rescue operations in the Department of Norte de Santander, many of them executed under enemy fire and in extreme weather conditions; thanks to their expertise and mettle, they have managed the timely evacuation of people in danger, leading safe transfers to medical centers of greater complexity. These missions, carried out with tactical precision, reflect the courage of those who, defying adversity and permanent risk, become the tangible hope that life can prevail.
The preparation of a rescuer requires discipline, physical strength and unwavering mettle; after an initial evaluation phase, Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers are summoned to the Search and Rescue Course, SAR, where they receive training in insertion and extraction of personnel in hostile environments, aquatic operations and tactical signaling. During three months of intensive instruction, they perfect techniques of descent with ropes, lifting of wounded and maneuvers in combat areas, their training is complemented by international-class instructions in tactical medicine and pre-hospital care, including different programs, which makes them true guardians regardless of the environment.
Through this commemoration, the Colombian Aerospace Force honors its rescuers every year, whose sacrifice and bravery embody the essence of the Institution: to be the guardian angel of Colombians, bringing hope where it seems not to exist and demonstrating that heroes live in the blue sky who descend so that others can live.
Source: Aerospace Force - Public Communications Office CACOM 1
