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NEWS | March 9, 2011

South Carolina Guard helps U.S., Saudi forces extend hands in exercise

By Courtesy Story

TABUK, Saudi Arabia - Third Army Soldiers – along with more than 600 soldiers from 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry, South Carolina Army National Guard – worked side-by-side with Royal Saudi Land Forces in the Friendship Two exercise.

More than 4,100 U.S. and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia military servicemembers participated in this event that tested both armed forces in maneuvers, tactics, techniques and procedures.

“Friendship Two has many facets to it; but most important, Third Army’s multinational training and exercises strengthen military to military relationships amongst partner nations,” said Army Col. George Cone, Third Army director of training and exercises.

Much of the day-to-day focus of the battalion level exercise was on maneuver capability and interoperability along with logistical coordination and support between the two nations.

The exercise also gave both countries an opportunity to exchange ideas and learn new operational tactics while improving military relationships.

In addition to being part of this historic exercise, Third Army and Royal Saudi Land Forces soldiers built upon their capacity to help maintain peace and stability in the region.

“Third Army’s Friendship Two exercise fosters relationships with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to help shape conditions for the future,” said Cone. “And, it’s a great opportunity to interact with our friends in the Royal Saudi Land Forces and continue a long lasting relationship.”

The exercise is one in a series of partnership training opportunities Third Army has had with the Royal Saudi Land Forces since 2004.

 

 

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