U.S, Indian Armies Take Training to Higher Level

Approximately 250 U.S. Soldiers and 17 Stryker vehicles are in India for the next two weeks and began a military training exercise Oct. 12 that is the first of its kind.

The exercise, called Yudh Abhyas, is an annual training event between the two armies, but this year is the first to include U.S. and Indian mechanized equipment and forces. In the past, the exercise has been limited to scenario-driven, commander-level exercises, explained U.S. Army Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commander of U.S. Army, Pacific in a recent American Forces Press Service article on the topic.

This year, the exercise includes a multi-echelon, full spectrum operation based on peacekeeping, according to a U.S. Army, Pacific news release. The exercise is designed to promote cooperation between the two armies through training, cultural and professional exchanges. Participants will be engaged in a variety of missions, from joint planning and execution, a variety of artillery ranges both in and out of vehicles, to cordon and search operations as well as search and rescue training. The exercise will end with a live fire demonstration involving the Stryker vehicle.

Exercises between the Indian and U.S. militaries continue to increase in scope and sophistication and are indicative of a positive and steadily improving relationship based on common interests in areas such as peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and maritime security.

The 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, is representing the U.S. Army during the exercise.

Follow the exercise on U.S. Army, Pacific’s exercise website, and on Flicrk.