In a solemn military ceremony held at the parade ground of the La Popa Military Headquarters in Valledupar, Cesar, the change of command for the 10th Brigade of the National Army took place. During the ceremony, Colonel Harold Sexton Schmidt Gallego handed over command to Colonel Carlos Alberto Olaya Avilés, who assumes the role of the unit’s new commander.
The ceremony was presided over by
Major General Carlos Enrique Carrasquilla Gómez, commander of the First Division, with the participation of brigade and battalion commanders from the jurisdiction, as well as civil, police, and military authorities from the region.
Colonel Carlos Alberto Olaya Avilés, a native of the department of Huila, has distinguished himself throughout his career for his dedication to service and his closeness to the communities in the territories where he has served. He has more than 30 years of service in the institution and outstanding experience in the management and administration of military units, as well as in the handling of strategic resources for national defense.
Most recently, he served as Colombia’s military attaché to the Republic of Korea, where he represented the Military Forces before that country’s government and contributed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in defense, security, and international military relations.Throughout his career, he has held positions of high responsibility that have allowed him to consolidate his experience in conducting military operations and leading troops. Notable among these is his work as a brigade commander in the Caguán Specific Command, where he led four National Army battalions and one Navy Corps battalion, with jurisdiction over San Vicente del Caguán, Cartagena del Chairá, and La Macarena in the department of Caquetá.
He also served as an operations officer for the Ninth Brigade, headquartered in Neiva, Huila, playing a key role in maintaining public order and urban security, especially during periods of social mobilization in 2021. He was also commander of the 25th Land Operations Battalion in 2018, with jurisdiction over Bojayá and Carmen del Darién in Chocó.
His leadership, decision-making ability, and institutional commitment have contributed to strengthening security, territorial stability, and the well-being of the civilian population. As a result, he has been awarded more than twelve medals for military merit, including the Army’s Fe en la Causa (Faith in the Cause) medal, and has received eight distinctions granted by the national government.
Upon assuming command of the 10th Brigade, Colonel Olaya Avilés reaffirms his commitment to protecting the civilian population by leading military operations against organized armed groups operating in the departments of Cesar and La Guajira. Likewise,
he will work in close coordination with civilian authorities and in conjunction with other institutions of the Military Forces and the National Police, with the aim of strengthening security in the region.Source:
First Division Press.
