SAF TAKES PART IN EX COBRA GOLD

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), together with the Royal Thai Armed Forces, United States Pacific Command, Japan Self-Defense Forces, Indonesian National Defence Forces and the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, is participating in an annual multilateral exercise - codenamed Cobra Gold - from 1 to 11 Feb.

Held in Pattaya, Thailand, Exercise Cobra Gold focuses on peace support and civilian evacuation operations and aims to promote mutual understanding, friendship and professionalism among the personnel of participating armed forces.

Deputy Chief of Thailand's Defense Forces, Admiral Wallop Kerdphol, who declared the exercise open on 1 Feb, believes that the exercise will strengthen security cooperation in the region and highlighted that "the cordial relationship, excellent understanding and safety of personnel is of utmost importance" for the conduct of the exercise.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony was US Ambassador to Thailand, Eric G. John, who noted that the core Cobra Gold exercise scenario - multilateral peacekeeping operations and humanitarian and disaster responses in a coalition environment - reflects current international realities.

"I firmly believe that Cobra Gold remains unparalleled in preparing our militaries for the real-world priorities of humanitarian assistance as well as supporting peace, stability and reconstruction throughout this region," he said.

Chief Guards Officer, Colonel (COL) Chan Wing Kai, who is leading the 132-member SAF contingent to Exercise Cobra Gold this year, feels that the exercise is a good opportunity for professional learning and for the SAF servicemen to develop good relationships with their counterparts.

"Working in a coalition setting has its own set of dynamics. Besides the professional learning we have the opportunity to interact with officers from different countries, understand their different systems and different ways of thinking," COL Chan told cyberpioneer.

"All these (forms of) learning are very relevant because in many of our operations, whether it s a UN mission or peace support mission, we are likely to work with different partners."

For COL Chan and the SAF contingent, they are looking to participate in the exercise with a "learning mind, to be good ambassadors and to bring value-add" to their fellow partners.

The SAF officers will act as staff planners for the Combined Joint Task Force and United Nations Force Headquarters and participate in a field training exercise alongside the other armed forces.

In addition, an SAF medical team will also join teams from other participating nations to provide medical and dental services to the local population under the Medical Civil Assistance Programme.

Representatives from another 20 countries are also involved in this year's exercise as observers. The SAF has been a full participant of Exercise Cobra Gold since 2000, having sent observers to the exercise from 1993 to 1999.

01 Feb 10 - Singapore Armed Forces Participates in Multilateral Exercise Held in Thailand