SAF TAKES PART IN EXERCISE COBRA GOLD

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF), United States Pacific Command (USPACOM), Japanese Self-Defence Force (JSDF), and the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) are participating in Exercise Cobra Gold 2008 in Korat, Thailand.

Held from 8 to 21 May, Exercise Cobra Gold is a series of annual multilateral exercises that focuses on peace support and non-combatant evacuation operations. The SAF, which had previously sent observers to the exercise from 1993 to 1999, became a full participant in 2000.

Brigadier-General (BG) Chan Chun Sing, Commander of the 9th Singapore Division and Chief Infantry Officer, will lead a 108-member SAF delegation to participate in the command post exercise phase of the exercise. These SAF officers will act as staff planners for the Combined Joint Task Force.

For the first time, a 35-man SAF team will also participate in a field training exercise phase that simulates security operations in support of humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. The SAF s participation in this phase, previously involving only the US and Thai armed forces, marks a significant milestone in its involvement in the Exercise Cobra Gold series.

In addition, under the Medical Civil Assistance Programme (MEDCAP), an SAF medical team will join teams from Thailand and the US to provide medical and dental services to the local population of Korat.

Exercise Cobra Gold aims to enhance interoperability among the participating armed forces. It also promotes mutual understanding, friendship and professionalism among their officers and men.