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SAUDI ARABIA (March 6, 2009) - A training
exercise between U.S. and Royal Saudi Land Forces, that has been a
long time in the making, was finally accomplished in Saudi Arabia
through Friendship One 2009.
During the months of February and March, the two nations worked
side-by-side in a bilateral training exercise to strengthen
military interoperability and relations, by working through the
necessary steps to get through a real war fighting situation.
FS One 09 is a historical exercise for both countries. A large
scale deployment of U.S. Forces to Saudi Arabia has not taken place
since 1991.
"Our two Armies have joined again for a great success for a
second time," said Commanding Gen. James J. Lovelace, U.S. Army
Central. "This is the first time in 18 years, historically, that we
have now joined together to train side-by-side in a ground maneuver
bilateral, field training exercise."
When unfortunate events such as a war take place, there are many
things that must be accomplished to ensure the war fighters have
the support they need. Much of this comes from logistical support,
interoperability and ensuring proper coordination with host nations
of the Receiving, Staging, Onward movement and Integration of
warfighting forces.
Cultural and language barriers can cause some obstacles between
countries, which is why it is important for exercises such as this
to take place between ally nations.
"We have seen a definite necessity to ensure that we maintain
our ties with the Saudis," said Lt. Col. Tony Carbone, U.S. advisor
to the RSLF's 6th Brigade, U.S. Military Training Mission.
According to Carbone, when Soldiers are able to execute missions
on the ground, they will be able to gage where the problems are
going to be so they can fix them and be prepared for any future
obstacles.
Several of the U.S. and RSLF Soldiers who participated in FS One
09, had an opportunity to go as far as engage in two training
battles during the course of the exercise using Multiple Integrated
Laser Engagement Systems and simulated live fire.
During the exercises conclusion, the Royal Saudi Land Force Gen.
Saleh Al-Mohaya, spoke of how Friendship One's field training
scenarios were a great benefit for both parties and provided many
lessons learned.
Mohaya also spoke of how he looks forward to seeing other
branches of service, such as the Navy and the Air Force, get
involved in future exercises.
FS One 09 proved to be worth the wait for many of the exercises
participants and has provided the foundation for the next exercise
in 2011.
Most importantly, the exercise lived up to its name by granting
U.S. and RSLF Soldiers an opportunity to establish friendships and
gain insight into each other's cultures.
"I love working with the Saudis," said Spc. Erick Bulla,
infantry, 2nd Battalion, 137th Combined Arms Battalion, Kansas
National Guard. "The Soldiers have treated us very nicely and I've
enjoyed learning the language and drinking tea and Camel's
milk."
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