Guardsman trains with Mongolian counterparts for upcoming deployment

By Pfc. Karina Paraoan
Alaska National Guard

During a command post exercise at Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia on Aug. 16, Mongolian Armed Forces Capt. Doijnyam Shinebayar, center, and Capt. Yalalt Gemgui discuss mission analysis with Maj. Kyle Holt of the Alaska National Guard's 761st Military Police Battalion. Holt will deploy to Afghanistan with members of the Mongolian Armed Forces later this year. "It has been an honor to work with Maj. Holt and to receive his advice on mission analysis and course of action," said Gemgui, the acting exercise battalion executive officer for the Mongolian Armed Forces. "He has been very helpful." (Photo by Pfc. Karina Paraoan, Alaska National Guard)
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FIVE HILLS TRAINING AREA, Mongolia, (8/23/10) -- An Alaska National Guardsman recently had the unique opportunity to train with Mongolian troops to prepare for a deployment to Afghanistan as a U.S. liaison with the Mongolian Armed Forces.

Maj. Kyle Holt from the Alaska National Guard's 761st Military Police Battalion travelled here to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia as part of Khaan Quest 2010, a bilateral peacekeeping operations training exercise. This year was his first year as the acting executive officer for the command post exercise, where he worked alongside members of the Mongolian Armed Forces.

"Khaan Quest 2010 has not only provided me the opportunity to meet with my Mongolian counterparts, but also a good training environment for me to work through missions in a tactical operations center," said Holt.

Holt is scheduled to deploy mid-September in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit he is working with will provide security at checkpoints, traffic control points and overall base security in Afghanistan.

The liaison program is part of the Alaska National Guard's ongoing relationship with Mongolia through the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program. Normally embeds from the Alaska National Guard don't have the opportunity to work in an integrated environment with the Mongolian Armed Forces until deployed in country. Holt is very pleased to have the chance to work with the Mongolians now.

"It has been an honor to work with Maj. Holt and to receive his advice on mission analysis and course of action," said Capt. Yalalt Gemgui, exercise battalion executive officer, Mongolian Armed Forces.

This is Holt's first deployment and his fourth time to command a unit.
"I volunteered for this deployment," said Holt. "I had a driving force in me, saying it's my turn."

Holt will also be deploying with his Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey "Frankie" Coker, Joint Forces Headquarters, Alaska National Guard.

"I chose to deploy with him (Coker) because he and I worked together at Fort Greely and we've developed a trust and strong bond," said Holt.

The Alaska Guardsmen will be the Mongolians' direct link into the U.S.
command at Camp Eggers. They will work as tactical advisers, provide consult on base security operations, and serve indirectly as mentors -- offering insight to the U.S. command structure and operational tempo.

"I'm definitely impressed with the Mongolian Soldiers," said Holt.
"They train hard and are disciplined. I'm looking forward to being deployed with them."

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