KEM DESA PAHLAWAN, Malaysia -- U.S Army Pacific Soldiers participated in Jungle Survival Academics at Kem Desa Pahlawan (KDP), Malaysia, Sep. 17, during Keris Strike 14. The training familiarized U.S. Soldiers with jungle tactics and techniques used by Malaysian Rangers for jungle sustainment.
Malaysian Rangers first led a demonstration on how to trap jungle species for safety and survival. Numerous man-made traps were structured using jungle foliage and natural resources. Each detailed trap was designed to capture a specific species.
A jungle zoo display was also set up housing numerous jungle animals, reptiles and insects. The purpose of the zoo was to educate U.S. Soldiers on identifying endangered and poisonous species. A Malaysian student assisting with the display described how, many times, harmless snakes and animals are killed by uneducated soldiers and natives out of fear, which is the main cause of certain endangered species.
Spc. Patrick VanHorn, a fire support specialist from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division said the Jungle Survival Academics provided an opportunity to see the Malaysian culture from an Army perspective. "It was interesting seeing how they sustain themselves in a jungle environment by using the resources around them," he said.
U.S. Army Soldiers learned how to start fires using natural jungle elements and how to locate and properly prepare edible plants, insects and animals.
Malaysian Rangers are known to use every single part of an animal or plant for jungle survival. Sgt. 1st Class Newman, Early Entry Command Post NCOIC, 25th Infantry Division learned from one of the Ranger experts that even python blood is not to be wasted because it contains 80 percent water and is used as a source of hydration in the jungle.
"The most beneficial part was to see exactly how proficient the Malaysian Army is in jungle tactics and survival," Newman said. "They are absolutely the best of the best."
Jungle survival training between Malaysian and U.S. Armed Forces is a continuing effort. 25th Infantry Division recently established the U.S. Army Jungle Operations Training Center at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Several of the JOTC instructors have completed the Jungle Expert course in Malaysia; and Malaysian Jungle Experts are currently participating in Jungle Training at JOTC in Hawaii.
Keris Strike 14 provides the venue for the exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) and builds lasting relationships that will continue beyond the duration of the exercise.
For more information about Keris Strike, please visit the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KerisStrike.
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