There is a saying that is quite well known in military circles, namely “It is better to sweat during training than to bathe in blood on the battlefield.”
This expression is interpreted, a soldier must train as well as possible so that when fighting he is able to face the enemy well. The same phrase is often used in the world of sports, with a slightly different meaning, that is, an athlete must train as well as possible so that he can win a match.
Military training that is attended by various dimensions, troop units, and types of weaponry can indeed be understood to improve the skills of soldiers and their units. Troop landing simulations, for example, help military organizations to act as if they were in a real war.
During military exercises, the planning process and the dynamics of operations provide important experience for those involved. Military training completes the education that soldiers have undergone.
In the context of military training with troops from foreign countries, training activities can no longer be seen solely as an arena for improving the skills and professionalism of soldiers. Military exercises in that context need to be seen as a tool of diplomacy, part of defense diplomacy.
Various military exercises involving the United States (US) with several Southeast Asian countries must also be seen as part of foreign policy managed by Washington. It was reported in the Thursday edition of the Kompas daily (16/2/2023), that the Cobra Gold 2023 military exercise involving the US and 29 other countries, including Indonesia, will be held in Thailand in two weeks. Approximately 7,400 troops of various nationalities were involved. As many as 6,000 soldiers of whom came from the US. This number of US troops is the largest in the last 10 years of Cobra Gold’s activities.
Indonesian Navy and Royal Australian Army soldiers line up after participating in an amphibious attack exercise at Todak Beach, Singkep Island, Lingga Regency, Riau Islands, November 20, 2022. This is part of the Ausindo Amphibious Assault Exercise activities from November 19-20, 2022.
Indonesian Navy and Royal Australian Army soldiers line up after participating in an amphibious attack exercise at Todak Beach, Singkep Island, Lingga Regency, Riau Islands, November 20, 2022. This is part of the Ausindo Amphibious Assault Exercise activities from November 19-20, 2022.
Last year, Cobra Gold 2022 was one of the first series of non-stop training in the past year. From Thailand, the US moved exercises to the Philippines, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia. In the midst of US-China competition, these exercises will be seen as a tool for the US to get closer to countries in Southeast Asia. China is also planning war games that include foreign countries, namely Russia and South Africa, in addition to running exercises that are participating in its own military.
War games and other military cooperation, such as officer courses, have historically been used to strengthen relations between countries. A country’s positive intention is shown, among other things, through its willingness to carry out military cooperation.
For Indonesia, the most important thing is to make the best use of the various military exercises held by the US and China. Simulated military operations, as well as the opportunity to interact with foreign soldiers and technology, will enrich the experience and capabilities of our army.
Source : Kompas News
