World · Latin America · 3 hrs ago
Mexico’s Army rescue unit trains for disasters at home and abroad
At Santa Lucía Air Base near Mexico City, Mexico’s Army emergency unit practises disaster rescues using rubble, search dogs, ropes and other equipment.
The unit is part of the DN-III-E emergency plan, which guides the military’s response to disasters and other emergencies.
About 500 soldiers are ready to respond, as Mexico faces frequent earthquakes and other natural hazards.
Since 1996, Mexican military rescue teams have carried out nearly 100 missions in 30 countries.
In a recent mission in Venezuela after a deadly double earthquake, the team rescued two people and two dogs and recovered 92 bodies.
Daily drills build skills for real emergencies, while lessons from past missions are used to improve the plan.
Officials say the plan is continually updated, and a ceremony is scheduled for the following week to mark 60 years since it was first put into use.
Mexico’s Army Emergency Response Battalion trains for natural disasters and other emergencies at Santa Lucía Air Base in the State of Mexico.
The unit practises rescues involving rubble, search dogs, a trapped person in a well, a simulated chemical emergency and rappelling.
About 500 military personnel are ready to respond to emergencies.
Since 1996, Mexican rescue teams have carried out nearly 100 missions in 30 countries.
The Army’s DN-III-E emergency plan is being updated using lessons from each event.
- Who
- Mexico’s Army Emergency Response Battalion and other military personnel.
- What
- They train in search-and-rescue operations for disasters and other emergencies.
- When
- The article was published on October 25, 2026. The training takes place regularly.
- Where
- Santa Lucía Air Base in the State of Mexico.
- Why
- To prepare for real emergencies and provide assistance to civilians.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Mexican rescue teams have carried out nearly 100 missions in 30 countries.
Sergeant Emanuel Santana took part in missions in Turkey.
Mexican rescuers deployed there; Colonel Marcos Burgos said they rescued two people alive and recovered 92 bodies.
El Economista MX published its report on the Army unit’s training.
- Unit
- Emergency Response Battalion of Mexico’s Army
- Ready personnel
- About 500 military personnel
- Mission record
- Nearly 100 missions in 30 countries since 1996
- Training base
- Santa Lucía Air Base, State of Mexico
- Venezuela mission
- Two people rescued alive; 92 bodies recovered
1 source
What people are saying
We do this every day. This work relies heavily on muscle memory, so when a real situation arises, we are ready.
Two people were rescued alive, two dogs, and 92 bodies were recovered and returned to their families. That is the objective of humanitarian aid.
The lessons learned each year, in each event, help us improve this plan and strengthen it.
After a real situation, we return to the training area and try to simulate that event as much as possible so we can prepare and be ready for the next mission.