EXERCISE BRIGHT STAR TO BEGIN OCT. 8

Egyptian military forces and members of the U.S. Central Command's Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and special operations components will participate in Bright Star, a joint/combined training exercise in Egypt. Military forces from eight other nations -- France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Spain and the United Kingdom -- will also participate.

Bright Star 01/02, the 11th in a series, is scheduled to take place Oct. 8 through Nov. 1, 2001.

Bright Star 01/02 is the largest and most significant coalition military exercise conducted by the Central Command. This exercise is an important part of U.S. Central Command's theater engagement strategy and is designed to improve readiness and interoperability and strengthen the military and professional relationships between U.S., Egyptian and participating forces.