TIGER-RIFIC OPPORTUNITIES AT ANNUAL TRILATERAL EXERCISE

The annual trilateral air exercise currently being held in Korat, Thailand, is an excellent opportunity for the pilots and aircrew involved to forge friendly ties with each other and contribute to the social welfare of the local community.

Codenamed Cope Tiger, the exercise requires personnel of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) to work closely in planning and executing air drills.

The exercise is divided into two stages. The first stage, a command post exercise (CPX), was held at Paya Lebar Air Base in Nov 2005.

In the CPX, participants gained a better understanding of operating procedures through mission planning exercises and mission commanders' training.

The second stage is the flying training exercise (FTX) in Korat, which began on 6 Feb and will run for 12 days. Some 88 aircraft, 1200 personnel from the three air forces are involved and about 1,260 sorties will be flown.

"Cope Tiger allows the aircrew to get together and discuss professional matters," said RSAF Colonel (COL) Peter Ware, one of the exercise directors. "This allows them to broaden their overall knowledge, mutual understanding and inter-operability."

RTAF pilot Flight Lieutenant (FLT LT) Prachya Tippayarat, agreed.

"Even though this is the first time we are meeting, we are working very well together and very effectively," he said.

The exercise, the twelfth since it started in 1994, also enables the three air forces to assist the people of Korat in a joint socio-civic programme.

This year, the air force personnel will contribute computers, printers and sports equipment to the children of Ang Huay Yang School, and provide medical assistance to the locals.

The RSAF sent 10 doctors and supporting staff and contributing computers and other stationery items.

"We are very happy to help in a very small way," said Captain (Dr) Wilfred Lim, a RSAF medical officer who participated in the programme.

According to COL Ware, the socio-civic programme is an important part of Cope Tiger. "It is important for us to show the people of Korat that we appreciate their hospitality and that we do not take their kindness for granted," he said.