CAMP PULADA, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Sept. 29, 2012 – Nineteen Soldiers of the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade (BfSB) mobilized to the southern-most tip of Asia in support of Keris Strike – an annual joint U.S.-Malaysian training exercise.

“This has been an incredible, unique experience,” said Warrant Officer 1 Bryan Boling who served as the Provost Marshal for the exercise. “I can’t even begin to describe it.”

Hosted by the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF), Keris Strike 2012 was intended to not only strengthen the ties that exist between the United States and Malaysia, but to build the capacity of each nation to conduct joint operations. The joint exercise, now in its 16th year, harnessed the talents of the 9th Mission Support Command, Army Reserve, as well as National Guard units from Georgia, Alaska, and Washington. The Malaysian Army was represented by approximately 400 Soldiers of the 7th Brigade, 3rd Division, MAF.

The Keris Strike exercise was comprised of an academic phase, a Military Decision-Making Process (MDMP) stage, and a command post exercise phase. Academics were designed to prepare the Georgians and Malaysians to conduct complex peace-keeping operations between the fictional nations of “Lanunland” and “Struland.” During the MDMP phase, Georgians and Malaysians were formed into a combined-brigade staff to prepare the initial phase of the Keris Strike peace-keeping mission:  a complex cordon and search operation in coordination with UN and local police.

By the completion of the MDMP phase, Soldiers of both nations found themselves learning about the other army’s methodology and learning to work as a team. The preparation served them well as the combined brigade was launched into a simulated peace-keeping operation with key leader engagements to manage, a negative media environment to negotiate, and local and national civil authorities with competing agendas.

Throughout the exercise, the combined-brigade staff was deluged with simulated events ranging from motor vehicle accidents involving Soldiers and civilians, allegations of human rights and rules-of-engagement violations, and demands for assistance from local leaders. Finally, in the midst of planning a transfer of authority (TOA) operation, the combined-brigade’s area of operations was struck by a massive earthquake, and the plans for TOA had to be set aside while operational emphasis shifted to natural-disaster response. As a culminating event, the brigade held a press-conference with national and international press to discuss the progress of the Multi-National Forces mission.

Throughout the mission, Georgia Guardsmen had the opportunity to partake in the rich Malaysian culture. A visit to the Jungle Warfare Survival Village in the Panti Bird Sanctuary offered Soldiers the opportunity to learn about jungle survival from Maj. Mazlan bin Besar of the Royal Ranger Regiment. Soldiers participated in a mock-joint patrol with a Royal Ranger Regiment dog tracking team and found themselves racing through the jungle following the dog-team lead. Mazlan engaged the Soldiers in an interactive course on survival techniques with a demonstration of edible and medicinal plants. The Georgians were shown how to harvest water from jungle vines, how to make rope from tree bark, and how to use a knife and rock to light the inner bark of trees to start a campfire. The visit culminated with a “survival lunch” in which Soldiers were invited to sample roasted monkey, python, mouse deer, and tea made from jungle plants.

In addition to the jungle survival experience, the Malaysian hosts invited the U.S. Soldiers to visit Taman Buayaa, aka “Crocodile World:  home of a thousand crocodiles.” A visit to the Clock Tower of Johor Bahru and two local malls followed. Perhaps the highlight of the tour was a visit to the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, the interior of which was panelled with tiny mirrored glass sections and decorated with statues depicting figures of many world religions.

Soldiers also enjoyed competitive games of Malaysian volleyball in which participants were allowed to use their heads and feet in addition to hands. The Malaysians even taught the Georgians how to play Sepak Takraw, which is like a game of hacky sack played with a large wicker ball.

With its mission drawing to a close, the 560th BfSB presented their Malaysian counterparts with gifts. In addition to the informal exchanges of mementos between Soldiers, the command staff of the 560th BfSB presented the Malaysians with gifts of unit crests and patches. Select Soldiers were recognized with plaques and brigade coins. The Malaysians reciprocated with gifts of traditional foods and plaques depicting a scorpion:  the emblem of the 3rd Brigade MAF.

After-action reports reflect that the combined brigade exceeded its training objectives; however, much more was achieved on the cultural front. For many of the Malaysians, the 560th's Guardsmen were the first Americans with which they had trained. The Georgians made a lasting impression.

“I had a sterotype about Americans,” said Kaptain Muhamad Amir Hafiz of the Malaysian Royal Ordnance Corps. “I thought Americans would be unfriendly and would not want to learn or take suggestions from us. But my perception has been changed. We worked very well together and [the 560th) were very good representatives of the U.S.”

Master Sgt. Wilfred Robinson worked with Kaptain Amir as the combined brigade S-4 team.

“It’s been great working with Kaptain Amir,” said Robinson. “He was a great inspiration and taught me a lot about teamwork. Here in Malaysia, they treat you more like a brother than a friend.”

During their final hours in Malaysia, the Soldiers were feted with roasted lamb and fine Malaysian cuisine. Three bands played traditional and contemporary music, and traditional dances from Sarawak and Sabah were performed. All too soon the ceremony concluded as the Georgians had to rush to Singapore to catch their return flight.

Colonel Tom Carden, commander of the 560th BfSB, summed up the exercise, “The Malaysian Army is one of the best led armies I have seen in 27 years. I have learned a lot from General Ezam and would welcome the opportunity to train with the MAF again.”

Brigadier Gen. Dato Mohammed Ezam, commander of the 7th Brigade, MAF, was similarly impressed.

“I thank you all for your hard work and for your professionalism,” said Ezam.  “The next time you come to Malaysia, you will know that you have friends waiting for you.”  

For the Keris Strike 2012 microsite, click here!

For more images from Keris Strike 2012, visit our Flickr set for the exercise!

Story and photos by 1st Lt. William Carraway

Pubic Affairs Office

Georgia Department of Defense