Hosted by the Montana National Guard, ‘Regional Cooperation 23’ (RC23) is a military exercise sponsored by U.S. Central Command. This exercise brings together military personnel from various nations, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as the National Guard units from Arizona, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, and Virginia.
Maj. Stephen Jung, the lead planner for RC23, emphasized the significance of this exercise in strengthening international relationships and enhancing collaborative capabilities. He stated, “Regional Cooperation provides an unparalleled opportunity to fortify our partnerships with fellow nations and improve our collective capacity to operate in tandem.”
In the initial phase of the exercise, more than 230 participants gathered at Fort Harrison to establish a solid foundation in military decision-making processes, known as MDMP. On August 12, the exercise officially commenced, with personnel from both the United States and partner nations collaborating to address a hypothetical international security threat scenario.
Jung further elaborated, “The primary aim is to foster effective collaboration among multinational teams, enabling the development of cohesive military responses to the exercise’s intricate scenarios.”
Spanning six days, RC23 encompasses scenarios meticulously crafted to elevate regional security and stability. It aims to elevate national capabilities, refine techniques and procedures for countering weapons of mass destruction, terrorist elements, and narcotics, and promote seamless interoperability and the sharing of critical information.
The history of U.S. engagement in joint exercises with Central and South Asian nations traces back to 2004, underscoring the enduring nature of such collaborative endeavors.
Jung underscored the essence of this exercise, stating, “RC23 is fundamentally centered on cooperation and relationship-building. Through collaborative work with military personnel from partner nations, common ground naturally emerges. As we conclude our time in Montana, the aspiration is for all participants to depart with enriched understandings of our partnerships and fortified relationships. This extends not only to higher-level military forces but also resonates on an individual level.”
August 14, 2023
Source: US Army
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