Rajasthan flags off 14-day 'Yudh Abhyas' programme, India-US joint military training exercise

Rajasthan, with its tough environment and vast stretches of unoccupied lands, has been the base of multiple military exercises. Now, the desert state is witnessing a joint training programme for military personnel from India and the US. The inaugural function, which took place at Mahajan Field Firing Range on Monday, was graced by the esteemed presence of Brigadier Mukesh Bhanwala, Commander 170 Infantry Brigade. The senior official received the US delegation at the event.

270-member US delegation welcomed in Rajasthan

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Lieutenant Colonel Amitabh Sharma, PRO Defence, Rajasthan was quoted as saying, "The India-US joint training Exercise Yudh Abhyas commenced at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges on Monday with an opening ceremony that saw the unfurling of the national flags of both countries amidst the playing of the national anthems,"

Rajasthan welcomed the US army contingent as it landed in Suratgarh on Saturday. The US group is constituted by brigade headquarters and a battalion group of the 2nd Battalion, the 3rd Infantry Regiment of 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, comprising of 270 members. The training exercise is slated to be held for a period of 14 days. It would prepare the military personnel for dealing in a Counter-Insurgency environment as per the provisions specified by the United Nations.

An attempt to facilitate better amalgamation of operational experiences

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Brigadier Mukesh Bhanwala stressed upon various important facets of the training exercise. He said that the mains targets of the programme are to facilitate improved levels of the ability to work together and to promote inter-functioning. He further asserted that such exercises elevate the quality of circumstantial perceptions by facilitating better amalgamation of operational experiences. Additionally, they provide a platform for easier transfer of ideas, concepts and best practices between the participating troops.

The latest natively developed Advance Light Helicopter WSI 'RUDRA', MI - 17, Chinooks, Stryker Vehicles of US Army and BMP-II Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicles of Indian Army are set to be used during the training schedules. This joint program is aimed at improving the strengths of personnel from both the contingents through the intermingling of different experiences in counter-insurgency operations. Additionally, the exercise also encourages the exchange of experiences in situations of providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief and management.