Teak Iron exercise

Published Aug. 15, 2007
By Master Sgt. Marilyn C. Holliday
353rd SOG Public Affairs

HALIM AB, Indonesia -- More than 80 Air Force members representing the 353rd Special Operations Group traveled to Indonesia for a joint combined exchange training exercise for the mutual security of Indonesia and the United States.

The 26-day JCET was designed to improve the Special Operations Forces' readiness and capabilities by accomplishing both SOF and joint mission essential tasks with foreign forces.

"This exercise is a perfect opportunity for us to continue building a relationship with the Indonesian forces through information exchange," Major Kenneth Richardson, mission commander, said. "We were able to work alongside counterparts in specialized fields, offering us a chance to better understand the Indonesian military's framework and its operating and planning concepts, all the while sharing and streamlining how the U.S. Air Force and Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) work together. We accomplished this through an increased focus on military-to-military exchange."

Military members were positioned at both Halim and Bandung. Members of the 320th Special Tactics Squadron teamed up with their STS counterparts, the Paskhas. Pararescuemen and combat controllers were also part of an exchange with their Indonesian counterparts, Sarpur and Dalpur, respectively.

Field location discussions at Bandung Air Base, Indonesia, focused on high angle rescue, drop and landing zone surveys, extraction and recovery and combat care and triage. The group participated in classroom review followed by practical, hands-on demonstrations.

"Our main duty is search and rescue, and we gained more experience in this exchange," 1st Lt. Raga Mannrung, an Indonesian Paskha, said. "Americans are easy to work with." It was his first time working with Americans.

Exchanges on such topics as aircrew, maintenance, aerial delivery, intelligence and special tactics were the group's focus during the exercise.

For air operations, crews discussed low level flight TTP, door bundle rigging, loading and airdrop operations.

Maintainers from the SOG engaged in discussions and hands-on, practical training in both the classroom environment and on the flightline with hydraulic systems, corrosion control, electrics, engine systems and weight and balance.

"In my opinion this exercise is important," Capt. Edwardus Wisoko, operations chief for Indonesian Air Force Squadron 31, said. "We can enhance our capabilities and learn from the U.S. Air Force and build a relationship between our two forces. During the exercise we learned a lot about safety, maintenance and flight operations."

The 353rd SOG plans to exercise with the Indonesian military again next year.