US, Indonesia partner for Exercise Garuda Shield 2011

BOGOR, Indonesia " Hundreds of U.S. and Indonesian Soldiers gathered to participate in the opening ceremony of an annual bilateral exercise, today, at the Tentara Nasional Indonesia (TNI-Indonesian Armed Forces) Engineer Training Center of Army Education and Training Command, Pusdikzi.

Sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific and hosted by the Indonesian Armed Forces, Exercise Garuda Shield is the latest in a continuing series of rigorous, multi-faceted exercises designed to promote regional peace and security.

This year’s exercise is comprised of three main components: a command post exercise, a field training exercise and a humanitarian civic action project.

Productive team-building efforts and staff processes for resolving complex security situations will be the focus of the CPX. Soldiers of the 9th MSC and Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team will serve as members of division, brigade and battalion staff, working closely with their TNI counterparts.

The FTX, led by the Asia Pacific Counter Improvised Explosive Device Fusion Center, will consist of academics and small unit training designed to counter IEDs. U.S. Soldiers will train approximately 240 Indonesian Soldiers how to identify and react to potentially hazardous situations.

Additionally, Hawaii-based Army Reservists of the 871st Engineer Detachment, 411th Engineer Battalion, 9th MSC, will partner with their Indonesian counterparts to complete a humanitarian civic action project. This intense engineering effort will result in the establishment of a large, modern community services building and public market in a rural district.

Participants from U.S. and Indonesia will further strengthen their relationships by competing in sporting events and enjoying cultural activities.

During the opening ceremony, Brig. Gen. Michele G. Compton, the commanding general of the 9th MSC, welcomed the troops and described the importance of the regionally significant training event.

“Garuda Shield is an opportunity for the Indonesian Army and the United States Army to come together in a learning environment to share experiences and lessons learned with each other. Of equal importance during this exercise, is the opportunity to form and maintain close friendships and also to gain an enduring appreciation of each other’s customs,” said Compton.

Brig. Gen. Mulyono, the training director for the TNI Training and Doctrine Command said the exercise is, “expected to further strengthen the professionalism of the Soldiers as well as to deepen and strengthen cooperation between the Indonesian Army and USARPAC, which is based on mutual respect.”

Exercise Garuda Shield 2011 is slated to conclude June 22.

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