Asia Pacific Defense Forum Winter 2004

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Lt. Col. Surmaa Tuvshinbayar, Chief of Staff of Airborne Unit # 084 and KHAAN QUEST Deputy Commander, said that he and the U.S. Marines jointly “taught classes on live-firing exercises, tactical training for small groups, and a practical exercise on how to build engineering facilities when a unit is in a peacekeeping operation. I am so happy to participate in the joint-field exercise between the two countries. Our military personnel gained so much from our U.S. colleagues and the live-fire exercise at night was very interesting.”

Sgt. Tsetseg, employing her English language expertise, said that she had “interpreted classes from and to English and Mongolian on check-points, vehicle searches, and engineering facilities during peacekeeping operations. I consider this exercise very productive and overall participation from both sides was very active. For us, we haven’t participated in peacekeeping operations; therefore, we had a lot to learn from the U.S. military personnel who have greater experience in this field. The highlight of this exercise to me was that we were able to cooperate with the U.S. Marines.”

Concurrent with phase three deployment training, the MAF prepared for its first battalion rotation in support of OIF, the MAF’s first real-world deployment in 700 years. With a mischievous eye to the Mongols 13th century invasion and sacking of Baghdad, the Commander of the 150th Elite Peacekeeping Battalion, Col. B. Erkhenbayar, reportedly said, “Then, we went to invade. This time, we are going to build Iraq.”

While more than 50 Marines were training with the second rotation on basic deployment preparations in Exercise KHAAN QUEST, another 25 U.S Marines and U.S. Air Force personnel were working concurrently in Mongolia with the 150th Elite Peacekeeping Battalion’s first rotation to Iraq to replace the first Mongolian unit deployed to Iraq.

In recent years, Mongolia has been developing its capacity to field a UN qualified peacekeeping force. The country’s forces have successfully participated in several UN-sponsored Observer Missions in areas such as the Congo and the Western Sahara. Lessons learned during this KHAAN QUEST exercise will allow the MAF to conduct its own deployment preparations.

In addition to field training, the Marines also took advantage of their time in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, to engage in humanitarian outreach programs. They visited the Lotus Children Center, an orphanage, to donate supplies and gifts for the children. The visiting Marines played with the youngsters, bringing cheer to the children and smiles to the Marines.

Col. Ragchaa noted the value of KHAAN QUEST, saying, “I see this exercise as great support for the Mongolian Armed Forces’ preparation to send its peacekeepers to the UN and MNO [multinational operations],” he noted. “For example, our soldiers were able to obtain both theoretical and practical knowledge of peacekeeping tactical level operations, such as escorting a humanitarian convoy, riot control, working at check-points and observation posts, patrolling, and marching/maneuvering. Moreover, it was very informative about de-mining and unexploded ordnance, building an exit in a minefield, and establishing a defense position using engineering facilities. This exercise was mutually beneficial and had a great outcome for both sides. In the future, we need to continue to have and expand this type of exercises and training on a regular basis.”

Members of the U.S. Marine deployment team.
Photo Courtesy of the U.S. Defense Attaché, Mongolia

Mongolian soldiers teach U.S. Marines how to conduct patrols on horseback.

Mongolian soldiers examine the characteristics of the M-203 grenade launcher with a U.S. Marine.

Commenting on the significance and successes of KHAAN QUEST, Maj. Gen. Togoo said, “General Staff Headquarters is working very hard toward sending its troops to the United Nations and multinational peacekeeping operations, which is one of the peacetime roles of the Mongolian Armed Forces, and [we] have already achieved some results. We have sent our peacekeepers to the UN as Military Observers, a military contingent to OIF, and a training team to OEF [Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan]. According to the Mongolian and U.S. military-to-military cooperation plan, KHAAN QUEST successfully concluded in September 2003. This is a clear example of Mongolian military personnel attending bilateral and regional peacekeeping exercises and training.”

The MAF’s commitment to develop the ability to fully participate in international peacekeeping operations forms one pillar of the MAF’s mission to defend Mongolia’s sovereignty. This commitment also includes developing the Five Hills Training Center into a fully functional training facility for both national and regional armed forces. KHAAN QUEST is only one mechanism the Mongolians are using to support this development. Mongolia is reaching out to its nearest neighbors and developing international relationships to support its goals and to enhance regional stability.

As one of the earliest members of the U.S. led coalition in the Global War on Terrorism and a willing partner in operations to support both OIF and OEF-Afghanistan, Mongolia has demonstrated its commitment and ability to field a ready, deployable peacekeeping force. For U.S. Marines, KHAAN QUEST provided an unparalleled opportunity to train in a unique environment, while demonstrating the United States’ commitment to support Mongolia as a valued force in international peacekeeping operations.

U.S. Marines entertain the children at the Lotus Children Centre.
Photo by Cpl. Michael D. Darbouze, USMC

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