Photo By Levi Spellman | U.S. soldiers answer a call for fire from members of the Singapore armed forces during...... read more read more
FORT SILL, Okla. - Daring Warrior, a semi-annual combined live-fire exercise between Fort Sill and the Singapore armed forces, concluded Nov. 19 in a resounding success, said leadership involved with the event.
The exercise culminated with the members of the SAF firing their newly-acquired High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System in tandem with their American counterparts in B Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment.
The event stands as a unique experience for both the soldiers of B Battery, and the members of the SAF, said the leadership of both units.
Citing state-of-the-art facilities and the outstanding support offered at Fort Sill, working together provides excellent opportunities for his soldiers, said Col. Tan Chong Lee, the commanding officer of the participating SAF contingent.
“The main objective of this exercise is for us to train and qualify the Singapore armed forces’ first HIMARS battery,” he said. “We’re just glad to be here because there’s a lot to learn from the people at 1-14.”
Taking possession of their first HIMARS in August, the train-up period before the shoot was very short, said Lee, but assistance from experienced American personnel–and professionalism on both sides—helped them to meet their goals.
“In the beginning, there were a lot of issues we had to work though. But, over the course of the week, some of these issues were resolved along the way,” he said. “I would say that, now, we have a very excellent understanding among each other.”
The performance and professionalism of SAF soldiers are traits that his brigade’s personnel have come to respect, said Col. Mike Cabrey, commander of the 214th Fire Brigade.
“My soldiers and non-commissioned officers have commented on the absolute professionalism of the soldiers from the Singapore armed forces, how competent they are, how confident they are in this mission,” he said. “So, I think it speaks volumes about the great success [their] army is having in training them and preparing them for these types of missions.”
Though the exercise was designed to certify the Singaporean crews on the HIMARS, other significant benefits were also realized, said Cabrey.
“The cultural exchange we get, as well as this common bond, is one of the key components of this exercise,” he added.
For the soldiers actually doing the firing, the sentiment is much the same.
The exchange of professional knowledge is important, said Staff Sgt. Carl E. Schwander, but the confidence, inspired by the common mission and bonds among artillery soldiers, plays a real factor.
“This exercise is helping us to become better leaders, and preparing us for a coalition environment,” he said.
As the crew chief for one of the launchers shooting with the SAF, Schwander appreciates the uncommon opportunity to sharpen a particular set of skills.
“Knowing you have the ability to help comrades is important. But, working with allies who have the same skills is a benefit to the unit, and to the operations of the army,” he said.
As a crewmember in the same launcher, Sgt. Brian C. McCaffery agrees.
“Any time you can train with another nation and see how they work, it builds bridges and helps us to build on success,” he said. “It’s a very rewarding experience.”
Reiterating the importance of such exercises, 1st Lt. Wesley E. Martin, the officer in charge of operations for B Battery, discussed future implications.
“This strengthens relationships with our allies. Catching each other up on one another’s equipment and operating procedures makes it very important for the future,” he said.
The importance of building those relationships was further emphasized by the commander of 1-14 FAR, Lt. Col. Robert G. Picht.
“I think we’re at a time when we can’t do it alone,” he said.
Delving into more detail, Picht pointed out the joint and combined nature of current military operations, and the importance of learning how to function with partner nations.
Building relationships, he added, helps to ensure that the U.S. Army will not need to act unilaterally in the future.
“This was a great training opportunity,” he said. “It’s a win-win for everybody.”
| Date Taken: | 11.19.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 11.29.2010 16:10 |
| Story ID: | 61050 |
| Location: | FORT SILL, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Web Views: | 105 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, U.S., Singapore Cultivate Military Ties, by Levi Spellman, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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