American, Indian Troops Gear up for Joint Exercise

Pvt. Howard Ketter
20th Public Affairs Detachment

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska -- U.S. and Indian soldiers participated in the opening ceremony for the Yudh Abhyas exercise Saturday at Fort Wainwright.

Soldiers in B Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, will work with the 4th Rajput, Indian Army during the exercise, which is scheduled to run through Sept. 23 at the Donnelly Training Area.

The ceremony was the beginning of a training exercise designed to incorporate the infantry skills of the 4th Rajput and the 3-21st.

“We’re absolutely looking forward to this training,” said Capt. Matthew M. Molly, B Co. commander, from Columbia, Mo. “We both have a lot to offer each other.”

The training will consist of platoon evaluations on several live-fire exercises. Both companies will conduct continuous operations featuring several scenarios controlled from a forward operating base.

“This is primarily conventional training so that we can deploy anywhere at any time,” said Col. B.S. Dalal, commanding officer, 4th Rajput.

The training will conclude Sept. 23 with a barbecue hosted by the companies. There will also be recreational activities scheduled for the 4th Rajput the following week.

“We’ll go back with happy experiences, good memories and harmonious relations with the U. S. Army,” Dalal said.