Just got clearance minutes ago to attend this year's Cobra Gold. Here's what to expect

http://www1.apan-info.net/Default.aspx?ali...pan-info.net/cg


USS Essex with 31st MEU and 8 Harriers from VMA-311

http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=50786

http://www.yuma.usmc.mil/desertwarrior/201...4/feature2.html

Other ships includes

USS Harpers Ferry; USS Denver; USS Patriot; USS Shiloh

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=67471

South Korea participating for the first time with 333 troops, including 187 Marines.

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/dat...01001080066.asp

From MINDEF website...

Singapore Armed Forces Participates in Multilateral Exercise Held in Thailand



The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), together with the Royal Thai Armed Forces, United States Pacific Command, Japan Self-Defense Forces, Indonesian National Defence Forces and the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, is participating in Exercise Cobra Gold from 1 to 11 Feb 2010 in Pattaya, Thailand. Exercise Cobra Gold is a series of annual multilateral exercises focusing on peace support and civilian evacuation operations.

The 132-member SAF contingent, led by Chief Guards Officer Colonel Chan Wing Kai, will undertake the role of staff planners for the Combined Joint Task Force and United Nations Force Headquarters, alongside their Thai, US, Japanese, Indonesian and Korean counterparts. The SAF will also be participating in a field training exercise which aims to enhance interoperability among the participating armed forces. In addition, an SAF medical team will join teams from Thailand, the US, Japan, Indonesia and the Republic of Korea to provide medical and dental services to the local population, under the Medical Civil Assistance Programme.

Exercise Cobra Gold promotes mutual understanding, friendship and professionalism among the officers and men of the participating armed forces. Representatives from another 20 countries are also involved in this year's exercise as observers. The SAF has been a full participant of Exercise Cobra Gold since 2000, having sent observers to the exercise from 1993 to 1999.

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really interested to know what kind of exercise war game scenario will they be playing out...seeing the Koreans and the Japs here, I can't help but think that it might have a little something to do with China :ph43r:

Probably not. Or at least, not blatantly.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/lib...0112-afps04.htm

just curious, am not familiar with cobra gold. why no Malaysian participation or even observers ?

Dammit! Can I have your job?! :D

i suspect no budget...

Besides that fact that the Malaysians get to attend FPDA exercises and that other US allies are excluded, I suspect the Malaysians lack the proper equipment to interface with advanced forces - with are technical in nature for comms and C4I related matters. Remember the pirate patrols and CTF-151, the Malaysians went as 'independents'. Now, I'm guessing there are two possible reasons for this:

(i) politically, the Malaysians like to take an independent posture (domestic politics means that they can't be seen to be too pro-Western); and

(ii) some Malaysian technical limitations that are comms and C4I related.

Connectivity is an issue when working within a coalition framework with S.Korea, Japan and the US. In fact, Thailand is working hard to improve their C4I systems and I believe the Indonesians can leverage off comms of other advanced countries - that means they are plugged into the network with non-indigenous resources (i.e. someone like Singapore loans them the equipment to connect their command post).

Cobra Gold is very complex US led command post exercise - ie. bigger than division exercise - this is also good for N. Korea / Myanmar regime collapse scenarios. Good chance to think beyond a division in peace keeping and stability ops.

thanks for the explanation grunt. i appreciate it. :D interesting participation of the JSDF. wonder which part of the JSDF is there. has there always been JSDF participation ? increasing japanese military activity in our part of the world. Bandah Aceh relief mission with the Osumi class, PSI with a vessel and CH-53K and now this.

Philippines also not in it. but i guess in their case, funds probably are really tight.

from MP.net

Quite curious to what an air-force major's role in Cobra Gold might be, I expected all Army personnel since the SG contingent leader is a Chief Guards Officer...

The US has been trying to get Japan to haul its own weight for quite some time already. I think US power balancing strategies actually would have been simpler if the Japanese could play a more active part in the Asia Pacific.

they do want Japan to do so. but Japan cant do so in an open and aboveboard manner. its a complicated thing politically within Japan. article 9 and constitution notwithstanding. its an even more complicated thing outside of Japan (here in asia pacific) plenty of lingering doubts and suspicions.

in fact, the Japanese MOFA decision to propose some kind of security cooperation forum (before ARF) was shot down primarily because of that. a key reason to why our proposal for ARF succeeded was because the Japanese supported it (it was basically their proposal redux) and managed to convince the americans that it wouldnt hurt or wasnt meant to substitute washington's bilateral ties with other states.

so in their own way, they already are hauling and punching far above what many have expected. devil is in the details and diplomatic wrangling. they play a very subtle and delicate role in that.

besides, if you take a look at their defense white paper, there are regular meetups, "consultations" and table top exercises between the americans and Japanese. there are 1997 Nye/security cooperation review agreements that tries to clarify doubt, reassure each other and strengthen the US-Japan security alliance by making the various roles, expectations and responsibilities of each side of the alliance. aside from that, the Japanese (since the 90s) have been building up and have had high level command staff visit and exchanges with most of the SEA militaries.

the implications of its presence at cobra gold is interesting and its sixth time attending is interesting.

stars, see the US Army Website for more info (there's a video and even a pix of a SAF ophthalmologist at the first Medical Civic Assistance Program site at the Baan Kroeng Kra Reaon School, in the Kanchanaburi Province) and this transcript, where Lt. Gen. Mixon discussed Cobra Gold with bloggers (and they also talk about Malaysia). In this exercise, the US Army deployed a land-based command post that can work with the host nation and NGOs to establish communications and control the military effort. This is a large command post that requires two C-17 loads.

More pixs below:


THAILAND (Feb. 1, 2010) The SAF will also be participating in a field training exercise which aims to enhance interoperability among the participating armed forces.I see Singaporean army officers intermingled with a US Marine contingent. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Uriel De Luna-Felix/Released)


I spy two Singapore naval officers in the foreground contingent mixed in with USN personnel and in the rear contingent, Korean Marines.[h/t to Kadrun for pix of the Korean Marines]


THAILAND (Feb. 1, 2010) U.S. Marines and Singapore soldiers march during the Cobra Gold 2010 Opening Ceremony at Utapao Air Base, Thailand. Cobra Gold 2010 is a annual bilateral training exercise conducted between the Armed Forces of Thailand and the U.S. military in order to enhance interoperability and improve communities through humanitarian assistance and civil action projects. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Uriel De Luna-Felix/Released)


THAILAND (Feb. 1, 2010) Military members of Cobra Gold 2010 participating countries stand at attention during the opening ceremony at the Utapao Air Base, Thailand. I also spot a RSAF officer at the opening ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Uriel De Luna-Felix/Released)


THAILAND (Feb. 1, 2010) Members of the Royal Thai Naval Air Wing stand at parade rest during the Cobra Gold 2010 opening ceremony at Utapao Air Base, Thailand. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Uriel De Luna-Felix/Released)

Hey grunt, that was an awesome find, especially the transcript part...do our generals do something like that too?

interesting they hold their rifle by the barrel (and bayonet) vs we hold it by the fore sight post.

I have not seen our Generals discuss matters live via conference call but I note that our incoming CDF (former COA) did give interviews with some defence magazines. AFAIK, we do allow limited media access to our Generals but we in no way engage interested audiences in the manner and extent of the American Generals. Maybe the other forum members can chip in - I'm on a bit of unsure ground on Mindef's media practices.

US Army is the lead agency for this exercise so that's why they had an army general leading it.

USN said they giving me an air ticket to the Gator, fingers crossed

Well done! The LCAC we took last year wasn't too shabby, but a Phrog or Echo will beat that anytime. B)

thank you for the transcript headsup. it was a most interesting read :D im grateful for it.

wow. trilateral exercises between US, Japan and S.Korea. that would be something to look forward to (and give PLA and RFE vladistok commanders something to worry about)

but im not too hopeful for it. it could split more hairs than the good it does through familiarity with joint procedures, working together and trust building.

1) chinese perception of such a trilateral exercise. they will go ballistic.

2) MoD in Japan is staffed by bureaucrats seconded from MOFA (ministry of foreign affairs) and various other ministries. they arent career soliders.(but predominantly MOFA) one source ive read says that the current generation of MOFA bureaucrats are disillusioned with multilateral initiatives after the ARF "underachieved" in the 15 years since it was formed after 1994. this largely discredited bureaucrats who pushed for multilateralism and gave impetus to the pro-china faction within MOFA (who shape policy briefs, policy suggestions and influence policy outcomes)

this is where the ichiro ozawa factor comes into play. Coupled with Ichiro ozawa (the real heavyweight in the DPJ) and his desire for a stronger Japan, less reliant on the US and an increased independence in security policy, this is likely to lead to Japan playing off China and the US. the trilateral exercise may be one step too far to take for policy makers within Japan

3) (more of a corollary to 1) US + SK + Japan = the only 3 nation-states on this chunk of the pacific that have aegis destroyers and the capability (in SK case, potential capability) to create and launch a mobile sea-based missile defense shield. if trilateral exercise has a maritime focus, could be very destabilizing wrt to taiwan. likely to significantly escalate chinese insecurities.

Saw two RSAF captains packing lunch at Red Horse today. One from Hawkeye and one Stallion.

Best thing is I got my first air-to-air shots from a Phrog.

Viper52 likes this :lol:

Did u try asking Public Affairs MINDEF (PAFF) for access to the SAF fellas? *whistles*

Nope, according to the USN, they don't have any PA staff here.

explains the dearth of pics and anything interesting. real pity, MINDEF ought to let Singaporeans know exactly how large the scale of this is and its significance...

hell, all the up-to-date pics I've got so far are mainly from non-SAF websites...

Cobra Gold is part of the evolving American method of alliance management and should be seen in that context. IMO, Cobra Gold is an evolving process that is bigger than just the sum of parts - you also have to look at the gains from the calculus of each participating country. What does Thailand gain? What does Singapore gain? More importantly, what does Indonesia gain? This exercise is about leadership and when it is demonstrated by the Americans, all other competing powers pale in comparison.

There was a PAFF officer at the opening ceremony. From what I heard from a US military PAO, "she didn't bring anything to the table"

Today's exercise involves the US and Thai marines conducting a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation, which is basically a humanitarian mission like the one out in Haiti recently. All the helicopter assets from Essex were deployed for this mission as well a single Thai Lynx. The location of the exercise is Hat Yao beach and it started at 10am and ended around 2pm.

The JSDF also carried out a similar exercise at Utapao in the afternoon. The JGSDF provided security with the Thais and JASDF personnel conducted the screening of Japanese citizens and render medical aid.

Its now 8pm and I'll try to post pictures after dinner.

go there show face ....

We and the Indonesians are the only ones without PA officers there. Even the JSDF sent a Major who is deputy director of PA. And their contingent is even smaller.

waiting patiently for your photos :lol: I gave up on Mindef site.

i see. sorry for my sidetracking. that was the key interesting nugget in the transcript i picked up upon. i tend to lean towards NEA. missed the bigger picture.

agreed, but its interesting to see whether the scope and scale of exercises will change in the near future with the rotation between US army and the USMC. under Bush II, Condi rice the secretary of state continuously placed relations with ASEAN on the backburner and focused more on key bilateral relations with key partners (Japan korea & six party talks) and directed her efforts towards the middle east. Im not too sure about military relations during this period, but i think its still too premature to put it down to American leadership ?

why most importantly, what does indonesia gain ? this seems a little cryptic. mind elaborating more :D ? there have been close cooperation since 9/11 with detachment 88 getting funding, weapons and joint-training. peak was the 2004 tsunami aid with the crash of a SH-60. there has been a partial lifting of arms sales and possible C-130J acquisition and support for the F-16 but that hasnt stopped Jakarta from buying SU-30s and SU-27s. east-timor and possible human rights abuses that trace all the way up even to SBY remain a sticking point ? doubt it can ever become as close as the suharto-era relationship though

could it be the presidential "X-factor" with SBY having undergone jungle warfare training in panama and training with the 82nd airborne in the US before ? and/or Obama's early years in indonesia being a key factor, coupled with his desire to win the hearts and minds of the muslim world, that is pushing both America and the world's most populous muslim nation together ?

Afterall, after India and America, Indonesia is the world's third largest democracy.. a new dawn in american-indonesian security relationship ? that would be an interesting outcome. india in the indian ocean. indonesia in south east asia and the americans in the pacific.

eagerly awaiting your pictures. :)

just curious, ROK marines are there as well right ? why no joint exercise with the US and thai marines ?

Look carefully in this one





My camera bag after 'savagely attacked' by a 53

Lt Col very impatient waiting for the briefing to be over hahahah :lol:

I spotted a RSN Lt Colonel looking rather bored in the 1st pic :rolleyes:

He's not bored actually, I think he just trying to focus?? That's Ltc Sam Abey, he's the head of Sg Navy contingent for the planning exercise.

whos the civillian guy fourth from the left in the front row ? (beside the ROK guy? )

the olive no.3 on the extreme left, PLA or JSDF ? is it JSDF ? PLA shouldboards are usually red and gold. :blink:

I guess the presence of a PA officer really makes a diff, there's quite a lot of JGSDF pics out in the web, not to mention ROK and USMC ones as well...its a real, real pity that we are not have any up-to-date photos...its almost as if we're shy or shameful about our presence!

Pirate, I'm getting sleepless waiting for the awesome pics and info (I feel sorry for your camera bag :P), waiting for the MINDEF website is like watching a snail race :rolleyes:

btw stars, I don't think at this stage having Indonesia on board had a specific aim or purpose to fulfill, I get the feeling the US is just trying to get as many allies/friends in this corner of the globe as possible, and get them used to working with the US who admittedly will be the best military to work with on your side should PLAN become too adventurous...that's why they would happily accept Malaysia (that's the feeling I get from the transcripts)...

which brings me to another observation, does this exercise pretty much conclusively tell the PLA that any armed excursion to the north/south east of asia will pretty much mean that they'll have to seriously consider the a strong possibility of the US throwing her weight and very likely military muscle into the fray?

we are not shameful of our presence in CG exercise... as long as its in our interest to participate.

just as its not in our interest to challenge china... we will most definitely stay out of any conflict against china... and i believe the thais would very much agreed with us.

I saw i guy sleeping and the other on the verge of getting knocked out. :P