The Gem State Guardian - Spring 2012

cooperatively exchanging tactics, techniques
and sharing expertise.
The exercise featured several events
including battalion-level staff and command
post exercises focused on peacekeeping
operations, stability operations, humanitarian
assistance and disaster response. It also
encompassed a Medical First Responder
course, a Counter-Improvised Explosive
Device exercise, Engineer Subject Matter
Expert Exchange, and a Medical Civic
Action Program.
The staff exercise and command post
exercise consisted of in-depth academics
for battalion headquarters staff in managing
peacekeeping operations and fi ne-tuning
staff processes. A combined U.S. and RCAF
headquarters was formed based on United
Nations structure. Offi cers from three subordinate
battalions – two RCAF battalions and
northern Idaho’s 145th Brigade Support
Battalion – responded to simulated scenarios
to resolve complex security missions
and synchronize humanitarian efforts.
“The intent of this exercise was to
enhance both RCAF and U.S. staff offi cer
abilities to function in a UN environment,”
said Col. Don Blunck, brigade commander
of the 116th CBCT. “I think we met that
intent, and we were able to learn from the
Cambodians as much as we were able to
enhance our own staff offi cer abilities.”
Maj. Alex Shaffer, of the 116th CBCT, used
his previous peacekeeping experience in
Bosnia working in the combined 116th and
RCAF headquarters element during the staff
and command post exercises. He said the
exercise helped increase inter-operability
between forces of different nations.
“We are working through the military
decision making process together with the
RCAF, learning to manage humanitarian
resources and operate simultaneously in
a simulated peacekeeping environment,”
said Shaffer. “Learning about cultural differences
and working through the language
barrier is benefi cial to our 116th staff
because you can’t simulate those things
when training at home.”
NPMEC used the experience to prepare
for potential United Nations missions.
“This exercise will help prepare us for
future missions with the UN,” said Lt. Col.
Ra Phirun, 225th Battalion commander.
“This training is benefi cial not only to us but
to the U.S. also because we all learn something
new every day.”
Lt. Col. Bill Spence (center), of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, mentors members of the
Royal Cambodian Armed Forces during the staff and command post exercises at the Peacekeeping
Operations School in Kampong Speu province, March 15. Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers
partnered with RCAF during Angkor Sentinel 2012, an annual bilateral military exercise sponsored by
U.S. Army Pacifi c and hosted by Cambodian forces.
Soldiers of Idaho’s 145th BSB, 116th
CBCT, conducted two Medical First
Responder courses with RCAF personnel.
The fi rst course was held at the Gendarmerie
military police headquarters in
Kampot Province and included nearly 40
participants. The second course was held
at the Peacekeeping Operations School
in Kampong Speu Province and included
nearly 25 participants from NPMEC.
Soldiers accustomed to combat lifesaver
classes had to adjust their techniques
to meet the situations that the Cambodian
military police face on a daily basis. With
a lack of emergency medical teams, the
Gendarmerie is relied upon to handle emergency
situations.
“We are practicing emergency medical
procedures and fi rst aid,” said Sgt. Ryan
Lohmiller, a medic with the 145th BSB, 116th
CBCT. “This has been a great opportunity
to learn a new culture that I’ve never seen
before. I think we’ve all learned something
new from this experience.”
The Idaho Soldiers worked together with
the Cambodian forces to formulate techniques
on how to improvise treatment with
limited medical supplies and equipment.
“It’s been a challenge to think outside
the box, using whatever is on hand to make
splints and dressings,” said Pfc. Georgia
Goodwin.
Soldiers from the 130th Engineer Brigade
and the Asia-Pacifi c C-IED Center facilitated
situational training exercises focused on
identifying and responding to IEDs in order to
preserve lives and prevent disruption to military
operations. Two RCAF brigades preparing
for upcoming UN missions participated
in the exercise, which consisted of academics,
rehearsals and Soldier evaluations.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers worked
with RCAF engineers to exchange knowledge
on construction, building assessments,
bridge assessments, and global positioning
systems, as well as an equipment demonstration.
“The RCAF engineers have done an outstanding
job; they are eager to learn and a
pleasure to work with,” said Capt. Chuck
Koppernolle, of USACE.
Angkor Sentinel 2012 was not all work
and no play. RCAF and U.S. Soldiers challenged
each other in games of soccer and
volleyball during the evenings. Many 116th
Soldiers took the time to learn about Cambodia’s
history, culture and even learned to
speak some of the Khmer language.
Maj. Scott Sheridan, of the 116th CBCT,
bonded with his RCAF counterparts in the
225th Battalion throughout the exercise. He
commended their work ethic and motivation.
“Working with the Cambodians has been
incredible,” said Sheridan. “I’ve made some
life-long friendships here; it’s been an unforgettable
experience.”
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