Article Posted on : - Jul 16, 2010

Keris Strike exercise between armies of US and Malaysia. A file photo.

KUANTAN, MALAYSIA (BNS): The 14th bilateral command-post exercise ‘Keris Strike 2010’ between the armies of US and Malaysia was recently kicked off in an opening ceremony at Camp Kuantan.

The exercise Keris Strike which has begun on 13th July is scheduled to conclude on 23rd July, 2010.

The exercise is sponsored by US Army Pacific (USARPAC) and hosted by the Malaysian Armed Forces. It is designed to strengthen the US and Malaysian relationship and build peace support operational capacity of all those participating.

The exercise is lead by the US Army Reserve's 9th Mission Support Command, and will be joined by the members of the Utah National Guard's 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, the Guam National Guard's 1/294th Infantry Battalion, the 441st Military Intelligence Battalion, the 56th Theater Information Operation Group, the 411th and 413th Contracting Support Brigades and the US Pacific Command.

"The planning and the conduct of this exercise, is a clear manifestation and expression of our intimate military ties and cooperation. I strongly believe that this special relationship will continue, and we will work hard to ensure it serves the interest of our countries,” Maj. Gen. Dato' Razali Bin Hj Ahmad said in a US Army news release.

US Army 9th MSC will be an executive agent for Keris Strike by providing operational control, logistical coordination planning, life support for participants and key personnel.

The exercise will allow soldiers to participate in academic training, a mini-staff exercise and a command post exercise.