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 Tiger Balm enhances cultural experience By Spc. John Dowd
 WAIMANALO, Hawaii, - In this fast paced world  where technology and social networking bring people from around the world  together, the U.S. Military is tapping in to the same concept to drive modern  warfare training. Facebook and Twitter may be household expressions, but  these same social media concepts are helping the U.S. and Singapore train  together in a simulated exercise titled Tiger Balm. “The knowledge here is really fresh and practical, very  on time and updated, so there is always wonderful interacting and learning,”  said Col. Ang Yau Choon, Commander, 10th Singapore Infantry Brigade. Tiger Balm is a joint training exercise between the  Singapore Army and U.S. National Guard and Reserve, which has been going on for  nearly 30 years. Through that time, the technology has advanced as well as the  relationship between the two countries. “Singapore is a strategic partner of the U.S. and the  more we work with them, the better operating we can do in terms of a situation  that may arise,” said Col Brad Kohn, commander of the 82nd Support Detachment  of the Oregon Army National Guard. “Working with the Singapore Armed Forces has  been probably one of my very favorite exercises that I have ever done.” The training runs on a two-year cycle alternating between  Hawaii and Singapore as well as changing themes from combat operations to  stability operation. This year’s exercise, set at the Regional Training  Institute near Waimanalo, Hawaii, focuses on stability and the steps it would  take to help a war-torn country rebuild. "This is going to give our leaders a chance to use  their wits and just to experience how difficult peacekeeping operations can  be," said Army Maj. Gen. Robert Lee, the adjutant general of the Hawaii  National Guard. To help the training come to life, organizers tap into  the experience and knowledge of more than 260 soldiers and airmen from Hawaii,  Oregon, Washington, Arizona, California, Guam, and Singapore all while  utilizing computer simulation programs and role players. Nearly all positions  are shared between a U.S. military and Singapore counterpart. “When the soldiers are done with this exercise, they will  be able to leave here and apply the most current tactics, techniques, and  procedures on how to do stability operations,” said Lt. Col. Mark Shull, the  82nd operations officer. While the main emphasis was on stability operations,  cultural exchange was another major benefit to U.S. and Singapore Forces being  able to work so closely together. “Being culturally adept is absolutely important because  it shows that we are not just one army anymore,” said Maj. Joe Lontai, the 82nd  plans officer. “So I think this exercise just really brings that home and it  shows that we have a lot more in common than we do apart.” Although Tiger Balm only lasts five days, the first full  week is dedicated to briefings and preparation for the fast-paced exercise. It  also gives both sides a chance to get to know each other. "The Hawaii National Guard is proud to host  Singapore armed forces," Lee said. "They have been great allies in  many of our endeavors -- both humanitarian and military operations throughout  the Pacific theatre. And it is always great to have a chance to reciprocate  with our great hosts from Singapore, because they always take care of the American  troops when we go over there." As well as on a professional level, both Singaporeans and  Americans are encouraged to interact with each other socially to foster lasting  friendships. “I am sensing a lot of positive energy and I am looking  forward to the synergy building up and culminating on a high point at the end  of the exercise,” said Lt. Col. Johnny Lee, deputy operations officer,  Headquarters 9th Singapore Division/ Infantry. The exercise concludes with a luau and a gift exchange  between U.S. and Singapore counterparts. Participants like Ang said the  experience allows everyone involved to take away more than just knowledge. They  gain lasting friendships as well. “It’s always been wonderful working with friends and  Americans are special because the friendship goes beyond social interaction,”  said Ang.
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