Building Partnership Capacity Across 50 Percent of the Earth's Surface

What is it'

Exercise Garuda Shield (GS 09) is a continuation of ongoing joint efforts cosponsored by the U.S. military (U.S. Pacific Command) and Indonesian Army to provide assistance and training to the Indonesian military, support U.S. and Indonesian security objectives, and provide certification for Indonesian instructors on all levels of the Global Peacekeeping Operation Initiative (GPOI). This year marks the third iteration of Garuda Shield, and the exercise will take place outside Bandung, Indonesia.

GS 09 includes the GPOI certification, Multilateral Lanes Training, Multilateral U.N. Force Headquarters command post exercise, a humanitarian and civic assistance project and a field training exercise.

In addition to U.S. and Indonesian armed forces participation, the Indonesian Army has invited several other nations to participate and observe. The following countries were invited: Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Thailand, Tonga, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

What has the Army done'

Across the Pacific Command area of responsibility to include India, Indonesia, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) supports USPACOM's priority of regional engagement by actively seeking cooperation and collaboration with allies and partners in order to achieve effective solutions to common challenges.

We help to advance the capability of our allies while enhancing professional relationships and improving readiness and interoperability creating strong partnerships and strong mil-to-mil relationships. In particular, this exercise will focus heavily on GPOI efforts, and is designed to bring together regional friends and allies to become trained and ready partners in peace support operations around the globe.

These efforts during Garuda Shield 09 will build interoperability with forces in the Pacific so that we form coalitions that can work together effectively.

Why is this important to the Army'

This exercise will focus on developing participating military forces' ability to contribute to U.N. peacekeeping challenges like insurgency, terrorism, crime ethnic conflict, etc. The exercise aims to cultivate the readiness and interoperability and interpersonal relationships with the participating countries. Garuda Shield 09 provides a valuable opportunity to train with our Indonesian counterparts and other participating partner nations' militaries, thereby building interoperability and establishing good working relationships. Having capable, interoperable forces throughout the region fosters peace and stability, which is beneficial to U.S. interests and those of our partners.

Resources:

<a href=" http://www.usarpac.army.mil" target="_blank">U.S. Army Pacific</a>