He was born in Santander, Colombia.
He entered the “General José María Córdova” Military Cadet School graduating as a professional in Military Sciences and obtaining the rank of Second Lieutenant in 1990.
MILITARY AND CIVIL EDUCATION
He is a Specialist in Military Resources Administration, Command and General Staff, Security and National Defense, International Relations, Master in Security and National Defense “Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona”, Human rights and international humanitarian law Course “Universidad Autonoma de Bucaramanga”, and has a diploma in Public Administration. He has completed the courses of High Military Studies, Expert in Mortars, all military courses for promotion, Basic Intelligence, Lancero, Packer, Free Jump, Skydiving, Jungle Explorer, Safety Protective Operations, Counterguerrilla.
ASSIGNMENTS
- General Staff Member of the Future Army Transformation Command
- Commander, Brigade Against Drug Trafficking
- Director, COLAR Special Operations Direction
- Commander, Infantry Battalion No. 19
- Commander, Infantry Battalion No. 47
- Personal Assistant, Colombian Army Commander in 2006
- Commander, Gaula Group
- Personal Assistant, 4th Brigade Command
- Personal Assistant, Southern Joint Task Force Commander
- Chief, General Command Security for the Colombian Military Forces
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
During his extensive military career, he has received more than 38 decorations, standing out among others, Military Forces Distinguished Services Medal, Order of Military Merit “General José María Córdova” Medal, Faith in the Cause Medal, Distinguished Services Medal in "Public Order", General Jose Hilario Lopez Military Medal, Time Service Medal, Military Medal "Distinguished Services In Operations Against Drug Trafficking", Presidential Appointment of the "Military Victory" Bicentennial of The Liberating Campaign, Military Medal "Wounded in Action" Medal "Battle of Ayacucho", Military Medal "Francisco Jose De Caldas", Order Of Military Merit "Antonio Nariño", Military Medal "Francisco Jose De Caldas", Military Medal High School Of War, and Medalha Do Pacificador Medal.
He possesses a disciplined approach, as well as the ability to prioritize and address a wide range of goals and issues, being a visionary and strategic thinker.
He is married to Mrs. Avila Nieto. They have three children.