ATTENTION: EDITORS
June 17, 2022
Malaysia and the U.S. concluded two annual bilateral joint exercises, Keris Strike 2022 and Bersama Warrior 2022, on Friday in ceremonies at Sungai Buloh, Selangor and Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.
Keris Strike is sponsored by U.S. Army Pacific and hosted by the Malaysian Armed Forces. This year marks the 26th iteration of the exercise, which contributes to enhancing U.S. and Malaysian defense readiness and tactical interoperability, building on our close security partnership.
Bersama Warrior, which is in its eighth iteration, is sponsored by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and hosted by the Malaysian Armed Forces. The exercise enhances U.S. and Malaysian defense readiness, improves interoperability, and strengthens the State Partnership Program relationship between the Malaysian Armed Forces and Washington National Guard.
“I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished during Keris Strike alongside our Malaysian Army counterparts,” said Keris Strike Task Force Commander Lt. Col. Joshua Suthoff, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division commander. “Not only did we build readiness for both formations through tough jungle training, but our Soldiers made genuine enduring relationships that will last.”
“United States Indo-Pacific Command and the Washington National Guard are grateful for the quality training and gracious hospitality of our Malaysian military partners,” said Col. Scott Humphrey, Bersama Warrior 2022 Chief of Staff and commander of the Washington Air National Guard’s Western Air Defense Sector. “As we strive for improved interoperability, shared regional vision, and mutual cooperation, we look forward to rewarding future engagements and lifelong friendships.”
Keris Strike focused on developing land force capacity and capabilities to improve resiliency, addressing internal security challenges, and enhancing interoperability operations to reaffirm security commitments in the region.
Approximately 200 U.S. personnel participated in the Keris Strike exercise consisting of jungle operations and squad-level tactics.
Bersama Warrior challenged personnel with planning and coordinating several missions using the Multi-National Forces standard operating procedures. The training focused on developing U.S. and Malaysian armed forces’ capacity to respond quickly to crisis with greater interoperability and mission effectiveness.
Approximately 100 U.S. personnel participated in Bersama Warrior command post exercise, consisting of operational staff planners.
Both Keris Strike exercise and Bersama Warrior exercises demonstrate U.S. resolve to support shared security interests with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The military relationship between the U.S. and Malaysia is strong, important and based on mutual respect and cooperation. Combined training enables soldiers to develop mutual respect, trust and partnership
More photos: U.S. Embassy Flickr