Alaska Guard prepares for training in Mongolia

(8/5/10) -- Alaska National Guard Soldiers are currently preparing for Khaan Quest 2010, a multinational training exercise at the Five Hills Training Area, Tavan Tolgoi, outside the city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The exercise is scheduled to kick off with an opening ceremony Aug. 8 and conclude Aug. 29.

Guardsmen from the Alaska Army National Guard's 38th Troop Command and individuals from the Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Medical Group will depart this week to join 220 members of the Mongolian Armed Forces and 60 members of the U.S. military.

"One of the biggest benefits for Alaska Soldiers participating in this exercise is the opportunity to experience and interact with a multitude of soldiers from different countries," said Command Sgt. Maj. Pamela Harrington, senior leader observer for the Alaska National Guard. "Our Soldiers participating in this exercise will also be able to break the language and culture barrier."

The exercise is co-sponsored by the Mongolian Armed Forces and the U.S.

Pacific Command.

Mongolian, multinational and U.S. forces will conduct a command post exercise, a humanitarian civic activity and medical readiness training exercise.

The purpose of Khaan Quest is to develop participating military forces' ability to contribute to UN and coalition peacekeeping operations, particularly multinational efforts involving peacekeeping challenges like insurgency, terrorism, crime and ethnic conflict. The exercise aims to cultivate the readiness and interoperability that translate success in such conflicts.

"The Khaan Quest Exercise is important because it helps build the relationship between the Mongolian Army and the Alaska Army National Guard and better prepares both elements, not only for this mission but other missions involving joint operations and military forces from various supporting nations," said Harrington.