Malaysia, US armed forces in joint exercise

KUALA LUMPUR: The Armed Forces of Malaysia and the United States are participating in a bilateral training exercise in Malaysia from Monday to Sept 2, according to a statement issued by the US Embassy here.

It said on Monday that the Malaysia-United States Amphibious Exercise (MALUS AMPHEX) 2014 had been planned over the span of several months and was designated to improve amphibious training, readiness and interoperability.

The training includes shipboard familiarisation, medical and dental capabilities, weapons familiarisation, amphibious rehearsals with ship-to-shore connectors, live-fire rangers, rapid response planning process, execution of amphibious assault and landing, and reconstitution.

The statement said the exercise would include service members from both the 7th and 22nd Royal Malay Regiments and US Marines and sailors from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.

The US military and Malaysian Armed Forces have partnered in counter-terrorism operations since 1985 and have participated in numerous exercises over the years.

"MALUS AMPHEX 14 is a realistic and challenging exercise that brings service members closer and improves both nations' ability to work bilaterally, which better prepares both nations to provide regional and global security," the statement said. - Bernama