Garuda Shield 2011 exercise of command between the Army and the U.S. Army in the Pacific (USARPAC)

The Indonesian military and the United States (U.S.) again held joint exercises. On Friday (10 / 6), Garuda Shield 2011 exercise of command between the Army and the U.S. Army in the Pacific (USARPAC) opened at Zeni Education Center Kodiklat Army, Bogor. At least 631 Army personnel and 144 U.S. Army will be involved in the operation.

Exercise Director Army Brig Kodiklat Jendereal TNI Mulyono said the exercise Garuda Shield aims to improve cooperative relations between the two countries AD. "This exercise is already underway for the fifth time. Indonesia is often involved in the UN assignment. Cooperation with the United States can be taken advantage of the dynamics of peacekeeping operations. How to integrate training systems in Indonesia and the United States," said Mulyono at a press conference on Friday.

Added Mulyono, which prepared the agenda of a post-rehearsal exercises with scenarios for peace in the Asia Pacific operations. In addition, both countries will also practice tactics to face mines and how to interact with people in conflict zones.

"We also carry out humanitarian aid material. As the construction of kiosks, parking lots, mass treatment, and the village hall Situ Gede, Bogor," said Mulyono.

Michele Compton of the U.S. Brig emphasize one tactic exercise Garuda Shield is how to deal with IEDs body. Compton said the draft cooperation of Indonesia-US team will be useful for missions in the future. "We are excited to work with the Army," said Compton who was accompanied by a translator.

Later, the escalation of the exercise of command between the RI with the 'country of Uncle Sam' sufficiently increased. Finally, the Navy and U.S. Navy also held joint exercises in the Sunda Strait on May 27 to 29 last. However, Compton declined to comment whether increased exercise is part of China in anticipation of the strength of South China Sea.