REAM NAVAL BASE, Cambodia -- More than 80 Marines from the Landing Force participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Cambodia 2010, arrived here May 7 to conduct a week long bilateral exercise with Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness.
This is the first time in CARAT history which Cambodia has participated in the exercise and will be an opportunity to strengthen relations between the U.S. Armed Services and the RCAF.
“As Marines, we are always open for new things and I think being the first unit in this capacity to be able to visit Cambodia will give us the opportunity to strengthen relationships in the Pacific,” said 1st Sgt. Walter Siquieros, Landing Force sergeant major, LF, a native of Calexico, Calif. “I‘m looking forward to developing a sense of cooperation between both of our militaries.”
Since 1970, the United States has played an active role in supporting Cambodia to promote human rights, foster economic development, eliminate corruption and improve security. In 2007, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit visited Cambodia and rendered medical and dental assistance to natives who would otherwise not have the opportunity to have treatment, said Cpl. Thomas Zumalt, intelligence chief, Command Element, a native of Columbia, Mo.
The CARAT exercise is the first time, since the mid 1970’s, that a Marine infantry unit has entered the country. Alpha Company of the LF will have the opportunity to interact with Cambodian service members in a professional capacity and build friendships on a personal level during the exercise.
“This exercise in Cambodia is unique, it’s once in a lifetime and we need to make an effort to learn about their culture and experience their culture,” said Maj. Charles Hawthorne, commanding officer, LF, a native of Amarillo, Texas. “When we are face to face with these guys we often find that there are more similarities than differences. Yes, their culture may be different but as individuals we find more similarities.”
The exercise will include formal discussions between Marines from the LF and Cambodian Naval infantrymen about fundamental infantryman skills including an introduction to the United States Marine Corp/Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, basic first aid, small unit leadership, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, terrain models, detainee handling and the Law of Warfare. Also, the Cambodian service members will exchange knowledge about jungle warfare and survival with the Marines of the LF.
“It will be a great opportunity for both sides,” Siquieros said. “We’re looking forward to learning what they have to teach us, and our Marines have a lot to offer and we hope the Cambodian service members take a lot of knowledge away from us during this exercise.”
Throughout the week, the Marines of the LF will have the opportunity to experience a new culture and a new people during the exercise.
“I think it’s going to be great, they’ve never met us before and we’ve never met them before. It will be a brand new experience for both sides,” said Lance Cpl. Brandon Leist, team leader, 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon, Company A, a native of Boyne City, Mich. “I think it’s a unique experience because who else gets the opportunity to go to these different cultures and learn how they do things – it’s definitely a culture shock.”
Cambodia will be the last country the LF will conduct a bilateral exercise during CARAT 2010, and will signify the LF’s completion of it’s participation in the annual exercise.
“It’s absolutely an honor and is a fantastic opportunity for the Landing Force and the Marine Corps,” Hawthorne said. “I am excited to be a part of the team who gets to go back into Cambodia and work with our partners there.”