ALMATY, Kazakhstan, April
8, 2015 – Soldiers from the U.S., U.K. and Kazakhstan are joining forces
here for Exercise Steppe Eagle, a two-phase training event designed to refine peacekeeping
and peace support operations tasks, while improving interoperability and
military cooperation with key partner nations.
The first phase of the exercise began Monday with a ceremony
at the Ilisky Training Area.
In its 13th iteration, Steppe Eagle provides multilateral
forces with the opportunity to promote cooperation among participating forces,
practice crisis management, and enhance readiness through realistic, modern-day
interactive scenarios.
Gen. Maj. Daulet Ospanov, commander of the Kazakhstan
Airmobile Forces, recognized the importance of the exercise.
“The experience gained by our soldiers is very valuable,”
said the general. He added that with their partners, the Kazakhstanis would
work on enhancing interoperability and readiness in order to participate in
joint peacekeeping operations with partner nations.
Col. Andrew Berrier, U.S. defense attaché, noted Steppe
Eagle is growing more important as partner nations get closer to deploying on
UN peacekeeping missions.
“All partners in Steppe Eagle share a unifying vision of
contributing to peace and stability around the world, and to ease the suffering
of those less fortunate,” said Berrier. “It is this common commitment to U.N.
principles that sets Steppe Eagle apart as a unique venue for cooperation.”
Soldiers from U.S. Army Central, the Arizona National Guard
and the 50th Military Engagement Team are among those participating in the
exercise. Phase two of Steppe Eagle is set to begin in June.
To follow this year’s event, go to
www.facebook.com/steppe.eagle.