560th BfSB Soldiers in Malaysia for opening of Operation Keris Strike
CAMP ULU TIRAM, Malaysia, Sept. 18, 2012 – Operation Keris Strike, a bilateral command-post exercise, officially began today with an opening ceremony here at the Malaysian Army’s Jungle Warfare School. Members of the 560th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade (BfSB) of the Georgia National Guard will provide instruction and mentorship over the course of the two-week exercise.
Pictured here, Major General Dato Razal Bin Hj Ahmad, commander of the 3rd Division MAF, singles out CW4 Randall Pifer, 560th BfSB, for special words of welcome following the opening ceremony for Keris Strike 2012. Also pictured are Lt. Col. Marc Belscamper and Maj. Kris Marshall, 560th BFSB, and Brig. Gen. Michelle Compton, U.S. Army 9th Mission Support commanding general.
“This is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be here in Malaysia, to help the Malay Armed Forces, and to represent the United States Armed Forces,” said Col. Tom Carden, Commander of the 560th BfSB.
Major Gen. Ahmad, welcomed U.S participants to Malaysia during the opening ceremony.
“This exercise will indicate a significant landmark in the ongoing military relations between our armies,” said Ahmad. “The Malaysian Army is indeed honored to have forged this landmark relationship and lasting military ties with the United States Army.”
Hosted by the Malaysian Armed Forces, Keris Strike 2012 is designed to not only strengthen the ties that exist between the United States and Malaysia, but to build the capacity of each nation to conduct joint operations. The joint exercise is now in its 16th year and combines the talents of the 9th Mission Support Command, Army Reserve, as well as National Guard units from Georgia, Alaska, and Washington. The Malaysian Army is represented by approximately 400 Soldiers of the 7th Brigade, 3rd Division, MAF.
Story and Photos by 1st Lt. William M. Carraway
Public Affairs Office
Georgia Department of Defense