Operation Continuing Promise in S. America isn't as safe as you believe.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Giovanni Rivera, right, a civil affairs specialist assigned to 4th Civil Affairs Group, speaks with a Colombian Marine assigned to the Infanteria de Marina de Colombia during Operation Continuing Promise in Buenaventura, Colombia, July 12, 2015. Operation Continuing Promise is a mission to countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean, where the U.S. Military and its partnering nations work with host nations and a variety of governmental and non-governmental agencies in civil-military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. James R. Skelton/Released)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Jason K. Wetherington, a civil affairs team leader assigned to 4th Civil Affairs Group collects information in support of Operation Continuing Promise in Buenaventura, Colombia, July 12, 2015. Operation Continuing Promise is a mission to countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean, where the U.S. Military and its partnering nations work with host nations and a variety of governmental and non-governmental agencies in civil-military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. James R. Skelton/Released)

It seems like the common view of things is that "partnership" missions are the way to go, that they have enormous potential with little risk to our forces.

I totally disagree.

Colombia is a prime example.  They're currently engaged in fighting with FARC rebels (one of its helicopters was recently destroyed when it landed in a minefield) and the presence of US Marines on the ground operating with Colombian Naval Infantry (one FARCs biggest enemies) is going to put our forces into harms way in a place where many American's won't see it coming.

Operation Continuing Promise might seem easy, but it could easily go sideways if they're not careful.  S. America is a dangerous place.  You heard it here first.