06 October 2011

Brunei: Exercise CARAT 2011 – Land and Component Between 3BN RBLF and USMC

By Major Kamrin Damit

KUALA BELAIT, Thursday 06 Oct 2011 - A cross training exercise was conducted between personnel of 3Bn RBLF and USMC in conjunction with EXERCISE CARAT 2011.

The exercise was conducted from 28 September until 06 October 2011. The aim of the exercise was to maintain relationship between the two armed forces in order to foster diplomatic ties and to enhance the mutual understanding and relationship between the armed forces through the conduct of Exercise CARAT 2011.

The concept of the exercise is focusing on Military Operation in Urban Terrain or MOUT. The duration of the exercise was one week comprising of one day theory and six days practical exercise.

The practical exercise was conducted at a ‘makeshift’ training area located at Simpang 72, Lorong 8 Seria, Kuala Belait.  A total of 15 USMC was involved in conduct the training for RBAF personnel. The number of RBAF personnel involved were 15 personnel from 1Bn RBLF, 15 personnel from 2Bn RBLF, 25 personnel from 3Bn RBLF, 5 personnel from Support Bn RBLF, 5 personnel from Logistic Department RBLF, 3 personnel from Land Engineering RBLF, and 9 personnel from Training Institute RBAF making the total participation of RBAF personnel to 77.

Throughout the exercise, the personnel from USMC were accommodated at Lumut Camp. During their stay, they have the opportunity to establish relationship with the participation troops from the RBAF and they also have the opportunity to visit interesting places within the Brunei Darussalam.

The closing ceremony for the exercise was conducted on 06 October 2011 at the Seria training area. There was a demonstration by both personnel from RBAF and USMC showing their new acquired skill at impressive level.

On the whole, personnel from the RBAF was able to understand and execute the new skill tactfully and personnel from the USMC was able to deliver a very professional level of instruction.