KAMPONG SPEU PROVINCE, Cambodia -- Soldiers of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, Idaho Army National Guard, made the journey back to the Peacekeeping Operations School in Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia to participate in the Angkor Sentinel 2013 exercise May 16-29.
Angkor Sentinel is an annual bilateral exercise sponsored by U.S. Army, Pacific and hosted by the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. AS 13 is the latest in a continuing series of rigorous, multi-faceted exercises designed to promote regional peace and security. This year marked the fourth iteration of the Angkor Sentinel exercise and the third year of participation from the Idaho Army National Guard.
Maj. Gen. Un Siyeoun, director of the Training School for Multinational Peacekeeping Forces, welcomed the participants of AS 13 during the opening ceremony held on May 16.
"This opening ceremony for the multinational peacekeeping operations exercise, AS 13, shows the strengthened solidarity, friendship, and cooperation between RCAF and U.S.," he said. "Furthermore, it reflects the improved capacity of RCAF and its increased activities for the course of humanity of peace in the world."
Over 230 Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and nearly 80 U.S. military, including 61 from the Idaho Army National Guard, work enthusiastically together in an effort to exchange tactics, techniques and expertise.
Col. L. Don Blunck, brigade commander of the 116th Calvary Brigade Combat Team, also spoke during the opening ceremony.
"The Training School for Multi-National Peace Keeping Operation Center is one of the most modern facilities in the region and it allows a great atmosphere for learning and sharing. I encourage the Soldiers of both countries to take the opportunity to fully engage themselves in the training and learn as much as you can…The United States and the Kingdom of Cambodia have a long-shared friendship and common goal of security in the region. Angkor Sentinel 2013 provides one more key to our commitment to the Kingdom of Cambodia and to democratic ideals and institutions."
The focus of AS 13 includes a Command Post Exercise, a Medical First Responder and Field Sanitation course, and a Situational Training Exercise that includes Counter-Improvised Explosive Device exercises.
Exercises like AS 13 contribute to both regional peacekeeping capability in Asia, and world-wide peacekeeping operations around the globe.
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