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Multinational Observers

Twenty-three observers from 11 countries (Australia, China, France, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam) observed how Filipino, Mongolian, Singapore, Thai, and U.S. troops operated together in Southeast Asia’s largest military exercise. They visited COBRA GOLD’s combined Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine commands to receive briefings on COBRA GOLD’s combined operations.

Thai soldiers enter a building to clear it during Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training in Korat.
Photo by SSgt. JoAnn S. Makinano, USAF
Indian Air Force Gp. Capt. Delgie Singh said his nation hopes to one day participate in COBRA GOLD, which he called “a step in the right direction with its aim at commonality.” Gp. Capt. Singh was impressed with the knowledge shared and stressed the importance of absorbing the information. “Our main intent is to learn about coalition operations,” he noted. “Most of today’s campaigns deal with joint and combined efforts, and by learning from this exercise we can gain proficiency to build a more efficient military force. . . . [and] help us plan and implement our own similar programs.”

According to Royal Australian Air Force Flying Officer Kim Elms, Australia will conduct its own exercise with the Thai military in a few months. The information observed would provide a better understanding of the Thai and COBRA GOLD participants’ interoperability.


Command Post Exercise

COBRA GOLD’s command post exercises tested the five countries’ abilities to coordinate and execute command decisions. “It’s hard enough to organize a joint exercise with the [U.S.] Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marines, but when you do that and combine five different countries, there are a lot of moving pieces that have to come together,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Timothy Dodge. “One of the most important aspects is the opportunity to work with our counterparts.”

Fourteen Philippine Armed Forces officers participated in the command post exercise.  “Cobra Gold offers a lot in terms of training,” said Philippine Army Brig. Gen. Rafael Romero. “Being a joint exercise gives us, Philippine soldiers and officers, a different perspective and an opportunity to train with other countries.”  Philippine Marine Capt. Jeffrey Picarro said he gained knowledge about the way different countries approach things as well as how to work in a coalition.  “I learned the structure of the other countries is different,” said Philippine Army Maj. Medel Aguilar. “I learned how to organize things in an international and joint environment.”

Ten Mongolian officers worked in 10 different command post sections to learn as much as possible and to help them organize their own exercises.  Mongolian Army Lt. Col. Ganbattar Donrov said his men were there to learn.  “The first objective is to come to Thailand to learn from other officers how the structure works and the different cells’ responsibilities,” he said.  “We work together and get to know each other.” He added, “We exchange our experiences and build personal relationships with counterparts.”  He concluded, “All of the interaction will help the Mongolians organize their next command post exercise better.”

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