Major Thai-U.S. air, ground, naval and Marine forces train together in one of the largest military exercises in the Pacific - COBRA GOLD 99.

One of the largest military exercises in the Asia-Pacific region takes place annually in Thailand. Called exercise COBRA GOLD, the 18th in the series recently took place in May 1999. This annual Thai-U.S. field training exercise is designed to strengthen the ability of the Royal Thai Armed Forces to defend Thailand and ensure regional peace. It is also designed to share military skills and increase interoperability between the two armed forces. Ambassador Richard Hecklinger, the U.S. ambassador to Thailand, stated that "COBRA GOLD is the most visible and concrete demonstration of our commitment to Thailand's security and to the region."

Gen. Mongkon Ampornpisit, Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, addresses Thai and US troops at the opening ceremony for COBRA GOLD 99.

US Army troops receive training in Thai style offensive kicks as part of Thai hand-to-hand combat training.

Approximately 24,000 troops took part, in COBRA GOLD 99 with about half provided by each country. Both countries provided army, navy, air force and Marine forces that trained with their counterparts in a variety of exercise scenarios. Exercise scenarios included joint/combined land and air operations, and combined naval, amphibious, and special operations. In addition, combined Thai-U.S. medical and civil affairs teams carried out projects in the countryside to help the people of Thailand.

A US Marine demonstrates his M240G Medium Machine Gun to Royal Thai Marines.

MSgt. Suban Sappalert of the Royal Thai Army shows a soldier of the US 25th Infantry Division (Light) how to toss a net for fish as part of Thai jungle survival training.

Combined Thai-U.S. operations were the key to COBRA GOLD 99. The two countries' military staffs were integrated (combined) for various exercise operations, and the various services were also integrated into joint forces and staffs. Some were both joint and combined. For example, when Royal Thai Air Force F-16s flew with US Marine Corps F/A-18s, they were directed by a Combined Air Operations Center staffed by US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aviation personnel working alongside Royal Thai Air Force personnel.

A US Army Special Forces NCO, Command Sgt. Maj. Patrick Douglas, helps a Thai paratrooper prior to a combined Thai-U.S. parachute jump.

A Royal Thai Marine instructs a US Marine how to pick up a snake during jungle survival training in COBRA GOLD 99.

Participating US forces included forward-deployed Marines from the Okinawa, Japan-based 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force which conducted amphibious operations alongside the Royal Thai Marines. Soldiers of the Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division (Light), US Army Special Forces, and elements of the US Army Reserve operated with the Royal Thai Army and Special Forces in a 13-day ground combat scenario in the Korat area of Thailand. Combat aircraft of the Guam-based 13th Air Force, augmented by aircraft from Air Combat Command and Air Mobility Command, operated with combat aircraft of the US Navy and Marine Corps to conduct exercise air operations with the Royal Thai Air Force and Navy. To complete the close coordination, US Navy ships operated with Royal Thai Navy ships in a simulated sea battle.

Thai military jungle survival training includes how to cook available foods in the jungle, such as snakes and frogs.

Thai and US Marines practice defending an airfield at Samaeson Royal Thai Marine Base.