NY Air National Guard Airman from Watervliet graduates from tough Brazilian jungle training school
Senior Airman Calbel Lapinel from the 109th Airlift Wing was recognized as an outstanding graduate from the program
Latham, NY (11/19/2020) — New York Air National Guard Senior Airman Caleb Lapinel, a Watervliet resident, has graduated from Brazil's Jungle Warfare School in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state.
The school, known as CIGS from its Portuguese name - Centro de Instrucao de Guerra na Selva-is considered the world's premier jungle training center.
Lapinel, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 109th Airlift wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base in Scotia, attended the seven week international students' course as part of the New York National Guard's State Partnership Program training exchange with the Brazilian military.
He is the second New York National Guard member to attend the class.
In 2019 Army Guard Staff Sgt. Thomas Carpenter, a 38-year old infantryman assigned to the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry and Ranger School graduate finished the jungle training course.
Lapinel also won one of two awards that are presented to members of each class. He was honored for being the student who was always there ready to help other trainees succeed.
Ten Soldiers took part in this year's class. This was lower than usual because of the pandemic.
The other participants were from Spain, Nigeria, Indonesia, Egypt, Paraguay and Guatemala. The other students were all trained Special Forces and paratroop soldiers. Lapinel was also the youngest in the class.
During the course graduation ceremony on Nov. 12, 2020 he was awarded the class flag in recognition for his accomplishments.
Lapinel earned the coveted CIGS jungle training badge and the right to carry a "facao, de mateo", a Brazilian version of the Bowie knife with a jaguar headed handle made specifically for the jungle warfare center.
The class requires students to pass demanding physical fitness tests, learn to survive in the jungle, master techniques used in jungle warfare ranging from helicopter insertions to 2 mile swims in the dark in the rainforest's rivers. Students also must demonstrate mastery of small unit jungle combat and patrolling techniques.
The class is conducted in English.
Along with being a personal victory, Lapinel' s success at the course helped built the relationship between the U.S. and Brazilian militaries, according to Lt. Col. Rob Santamaria, the Army section chief at the U.S. Embassy in Brazil.
"Senior Airman Lapinel' s graduation continues to strengthen the U.S. Military's relationship with the Brazilian Military and reinforces the commitment that the New York National Guard has to the State Partnership with Brazil," Santamaria said.
"I am extremely proud of Lapinel's accomplishment. His feat continues to demonstrate the high return on investment that the defense partnership with Brazil has to offer in terms of unique training opportunities for our U.S. Military," Santamaria added.
Command Chief Master Sgt. Denny Richardson, the senior enlisted leader for the New York Air National Guard, said that Lapinel was selected to attend the school because of his drive.
"The first time I met Airman Lapinel I was impressed by his professionalism and ability to perform under pressure without hesitation," Richardson said. "This young man is comfortable being uncomfortable."
There was plenty of uncomfortable during the course, but he was grateful he had the chance to attend, Lapinel said.
"Just to have had the opportunity has really been amazing," Lapinel said. "It's been like a dream."
Lapinel, age 22, has been in the New York Air National Guard for the last three years. He us currently serving full-time with the 109th Airlift Wing.
His goal is to attend college and to earn a commission as an officer in the New York Air National Guard, Lapinel said.
More information can be found here in a feature story about Senior Airman Lapinel's accomplishment:
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New York Air National Guard Senior Airman Caleb Lapinel poses for a photograph on Nov.10, 2020 after completing the international course conducted annually by the Brazil Jungle Warfare Center, known as CIGS for its Portugese initials. Lapinel was the only American in the class of ten.( Courtesy Photo)
New York Air National Guard Senior Airman Caleb Lapinel trains in tactical swimming techniques in a Brazilian river in October 2020 while attending the international course conducted annually by the Brazil Jungle Warfare Center, known as CIGS for its Portugese initials. Lapinel was the only American in the class of ten.( Courtesy Photo)
New York Air National Guard Senior Airman Caleb Lapinel left) checks the map with another Soldier will participating in the international course conducted annually by the Brazil Jungle Warfare Center, known as CIGS for its Portugese initials, as an instructor looks on. Lapinel was the only American in the class of ten.( Courtesy Photo)