Local Idaho Army National Guard Unit returns from training in Malaysia
More than a dozen soldiers belonging to 1st Battalion of the 148th Field Artillery Regiment, headquartered in Pocatello, will return home Friday from Pahang, Malaysia, after participating in the Keris Stike 2017 exercise.
The annual 10-day exercise, held between American and Malaysian armed forces, and led by the U.S. Army-Pacific Command, provides members from both sides an opportunity to share lessons learned while strengthening bilateral response capabilities to U.N. peacekeeping missions throughout the world.
The training focused on command post exercises, the production of military operations orders, the military decision making process and additional staff exercises designed to challenge staff members at the brigade level.
“The Idaho Army National Guard appreciates opportunities to work with partner nation forces,” said Lt. Col. Scott Sheridan, director of operations for the Idaho Army National Guard. “These opportunities strengthen our interoperability and Soldiers truly enjoy finding commonalities with other armies through working together.”
Approximately 90 U.S. military personnel and 100 members of the Malaysia Armed Forces participated in the training event.
Soldiers of the 1-148th Field Artillery Regiment were involved in the command post exercise portion of the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training. They worked closely with Malaysian Army counterparts to increase the knowledge and experience of Soldiers from both armies.
“Due to the training we received, if called upon for a state disaster, the Idaho Army National Guard will be extremely prepared for any situation,” Hansen said.
The 1-148th Field Artillery Regiment is part of the Idaho Army National Guard’s 116th Calvary Brigade Combat Team. The unit is located in Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Rigby, Blackfoot, Rexburg, Preston, St. Anthony and Burley.
