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 | 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.

 

 

Related Articles
New Jersey National Guard members participate in a simulated training event during a Joint Staff training course conducted by North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command at the NJNG Joint Operations Center in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Jan. 12​​, 2025. The Joint Staff training course ​focused on the readiness of Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen to support emergency management in New Jersey and beyond.
New Jersey Guard Hosts U.S. Northern Command Joint Staff Training
By New Jersey National Guard | Jan. 16, 2025
LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. - The New Jersey National Guard hosted a U.S. Northern Command Joint Staff training course focused on the readiness of Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen to support emergency management in New Jersey and beyond...

Chief Master Sgt. Brandy Thanos, Master Sgt. Bjorn Nielson, Tech Sgt. James Gilchrest, and Staff Sgt. Steven Laszloffy of the Alaska Air National Guard pose for a photo with their cyber defense counterparts in Mongolia while discussing cyber defense training and information exchange opportunities. The Alaska National Guard and Mongolia are State Partnership Program partners.
Alaska Guard, Mongolia Conduct Cybersecurity Exchange
By Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey, | Jan. 16, 2025
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - The Alaska Air National Guard launched a new partnership with Mongolia through the State Partnership Program. The collaboration aims to develop cybersecurity training for the newly formed...

Senior Airmen Emma Oehler, 185th Air Refueling Wing medical technician, waits to depart the Sioux City, Iowa, airport with Airmen from the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing Medical Group Jan. 15, 2025. Iowa Air Guard medical technicians are flying to Washington to provide medical support for National Guard members in the capital region as part of the 60th Presidential Inauguration.
National Guard to Support Presidential Inauguration
By District of Columbia National Guard | Jan. 15, 2025
WASHINGTON - National Guard members from approximately 40 states, territories and the District of Columbia will support the 60th Presidential Inauguration at the request of the Secret Service, U.S. Capitol and Metropolitan...