(Image source from: www.rakshaknews.in)

Indian and American armies are collectively training, planning, and executing series of fully developed operations for neutralization of threats of varied nature at Joint Base Lewis Mc Chord, Washington.

This is the 15th edition of Exercise - ‘Yudh Abhyas’, which is hosted alternately between the two countries. The Assam Regiment from India and the United States side is being represented by a company of 5-20 Infantry Battalion.

The participants in these exercises will get familiar with the organizational structure, tactical drills, confidence training, equipment, and weapons.  

The two sides, during the joint exercise, will collectively execute training and planning of a series of tactical drills, which ultimately helps Indian forces in neutralizing threats that they could face while on duty during the United Nations Peace Keeping operations.

According to the Indian Army, this is one of the largest joint running military training and defense corporation endeavors between India and the United States. The exercises serve as an opportunity to both countries’ armed forces to train in an integrated manner at Battalion level with joint planning at Brigade level.

At the end of Exercise - Yudh Abhyas, both the armies will undertake a join exercise in an operational setting under a UN mandate.

Sikh Locals Serve Langar to Personnel

Sikh volunteers served Langar, a term used for the community kitchen in a Gurdwara where a free meal is served to all the visitors irrespective of religion, caste, gender, economic status or ethnicity.

"Sharing of cultural values create timeless affinities. Indian Army & US Army Soldiers were served langar prepared by local Sikh volunteers. It was hosted at the Raptor facility on JBLM. The group has been part of the last three iterations in the US, providing traditional langar," the Indian Army said in a tweet.

The Sikh community in Washington comprise about 4,000. The langar included traditional food- roti, Sabji, and Kheer where both Indian and U.S. army were invited.

The 14th edition of the exercise, Yudh Abhyas 2018, was hosted by India in Uttarakhand.

By Sowmya Sangam