Monday September 18, 2017
What is it?
Garuda Shield 2017 (GS 17) is a bilateral exercise sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) and hosted by Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Darat (TNI –AD Indonesia Armed Forces). The purpose of this exercise is to promote positive military-to-military relationships, improve interoperability, increase cultural awareness, and enhance individual and collective training. GS17 will take place Sept. 18 – Oct. 5, 2017 at various venues in Central and West Java, including Pusdik Penerbad Army Airfield (PPAA), Cibenda Training Area, and Sukabumi, Indonesia.
GS 17 consists of an early entry aviation subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) and unmanned aerial surveillance SMEE, aviation live fire exercises (Surface and Littoral), a command post exercise, and an infantry company field training exercise (FTX) and live fire exercise (LFX).
GS training is vital to ensuring forces can conduct effective peacekeeping operations. The joint tactical-level training hones the technical competence of the subordinate units and fosters tactical interoperability between partners.
What is the Army doing?
GS 17 will include a brigade-level command post training exercise (CPX), focused on peacekeeping operations. It will also include a company-level FTX focused on training, interoperability, and an exchange of tactics, techniques and procedures. The FTX will include a LFX. Six subject matter expert exchanges will ensure the U.S. and TNI share experiences and lessons learned.
In GS17, the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade and TNI counterparts will conduct a live fire gunnery exercise focused on engaging littoral floating targets.
Approximately 300 Hawaii-based Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division and the Hawaii Army National Guard will participate in the training alongside an equal number of the TNI troops.
What continued efforts are planned for the future?
U.S. Army Pacific will continue to regularly sponsor these joint exercises and security assistance programs with Indonesia. These responsive, efficient and effective exercises with Indonesia will continue to support training capacity and stability operations.
Why is this important to the Army?
Garuda Shield provides a valuable opportunity to train with the Indonesian counterparts and establish good working relationships. Having capable, interoperable forces throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region fosters peace and stability that is beneficial to U.S. interests and those of its partners. GS 17 helps further develop our bilateral partnership and strengthens Indonesian capacity as a regional leader and increasingly important global actor.
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