Yudha Abhyas 2010 kicks off

The Indo-US joint army exercise, Yudha Abhyas (War Exercise) 2010 kicked off at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska in the US on Sunday.

Specialist Ashley M. Armstrong, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command of the US Army quoted U.S. Army Alaska Deputy Commander, Colonel Mark S. Lowe, acting exercise director as saying in his dispatch, “The exercise is designed to build lasting friendships through the promotion of cooperation among our two great democracies while sharing training, cultural exchange and improving partner readiness.” Lowe was also reported to have said, “The relationship between U.S. Army Pacific and the Indian military grows stronger on a day-to-day basis with these training events.”

Armstrong reported the participation of troops from the Indian 62nd Infantry and 5th Parachute Regiment Brigade and the US 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), also known as Spartans, 25th Infantry Division, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (National Guard) in the exercise. ‘They will conduct a command post exercise, airborne operations training, marksmanship and tactical training highlighted by a Javelin live-fire, as well as participate in various cultural activities and social exchanges’, writes Armstrong.

Last week, Donna Miles of the American Forces Press Service reported the enthusiasm of US Army Pacific (USARPAC) Commander, Lieutenant General Benjamin R. Mixon. “It’s going to be a great exercise,” she quoted him as saying.

The last such exercise was held a year back at the Indian Army base at Babina, near Jhansi in Central India when troops from the US 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, deployed from Hawaii with 18 Stryker vehicles. The Javelin anti-tank guided missile was also demonstrated.

‘After the formal portion of the ceremony the participants were given opportunity to eat cake decorated with both nations’ colors, symbolizing their unity, and to interact with soldiers from their allied army,’ wrote Specialist Armstrong.