An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Sept. 25, 2024

Washington Guard, Thailand Collaborate on Stryker Readiness

By Peter Chang, Joint Force Headquarters - Washington National Guard

CHON BURI, Thailand - The 1st Battalion, 205th Regimental Training Institute, Washington National Guard, and the 112th Stryker Regiment, Royal Thai Army, strengthened their partnership during a Stryker maintenance exchange Sept. 7–19. 

The initiative in Chon Buri was part of the State Partnership Program, which enhances military capabilities and collaboration between the two forces.

Since the Royal Thai Army fielded the Stryker combat vehicles, the 205th Regiment launched the Stryker Leader Course in Thailand. The course focused on operational effectiveness and tactical maneuvers. As the course progressed, the emphasis shifted to maintenance and logistics, critical components for maintaining unit readiness.

“Operational training is important, but having a solid maintenance unit is equally vital for Stryker operators,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ricky Thomas, the exchange team lead. “We’re working with their leadership and maintenance managers to identify ways to streamline operations. They currently lack some basic repair tools, and we are looking at ways to speed up parts acquisition and provide relevant training for fiscal year 2025.”

Training sessions have uncovered gaps in maintenance protocols and logistics, prompting discussions between Washington National Guard and Royal Thai Army leaders. The collaboration seeks to establish best practices in vehicle upkeep and supply chain management to improve overall efficiency.

The Washington National Guard works closely with Thai soldiers, delivering hands-on equipment maintenance and inventory management training.

“Our goal is to provide the tools, training and knowledge necessary for the NCOs and officer corps of the Royal Thai Army at the 112th Stryker Regiment and their support battalion,” said 1st Sgt. Jacob Harrington, chief instructor for the 1st Battalion, 205th Regimental Training Institute. “If they require specific training, we can tailor our approach. Ultimately, it’s about meeting their needs.”

This partnership enhances military readiness and strengthens the longstanding relationship between the United States and Thailand.

 

 

Related Articles
Master Sgt. Shane Bedard, Headquarters, 141st Air Refueling Wing, Washington Air National Guard talks with members of the El Salvador military as they conduct tactical combat casualty care training from Feb. 22 – March 8, 2025.
Guard Members Instruct Life-Saving Skills in El Salvador
By Joseph Siemandel, | April 7, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – Washington National Guard members have instructed Tactical Combat Casualty Care and Combat Medic training in El Salvador.They worked with the Defense Institute for Medical Operations on the training that...

Washington National Guard Soldiers and Port of Laem Chabang firefighters.
Washington Guard, Thai Partners Focus on Hazard Response
By Joseph Siemandel, | March 21, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - The Washington National Guard concluded an all-hazards-response exchange at the Port of Laem Chabang, Thailand, March 1-11 as part of the 23-year partnership between Washington and the Kingdom of...

Lt. Col. Khadidja Harrell, flight surgeon with 194th Medical Group, Washington Air National Guard, poses with other medics during the disaster relief and humanitarian assistance exercise Cobra Gold 2025 Feb. 26 – 27 in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.
Air Guard Surgeon Supports Cobra Gold 2025 Exercise
By Joseph Siemandel, | March 14, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - Military members and first responders from seven nations gathered at the Disaster Relief Training Center in Cha Choeng Sao, Thailand, for Exercise Cobra Gold Feb. 26-27. Participants from the United...