FIVE HILLS TRAINING AREA, MONGOLIA -- Khaan Quest 2017, a multinational peacekeeping exercise hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) and co-sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM), kicked off with the opening ceremony at Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia on July 23, 2017.

This year’s Khaan Quest is scheduled to take place July 23 through August 5, 2017. The purpose of Khaan Quest is for participants to gain United Nations training and certification through the conduct of realistic peace support operations, as well as increase interoperability and build military-to-military relationships.

“I am confident that the Khaan Quest 2017 annual multinational peace support operations exercise will have a substantial impact on enhancing our peacekeepers’ military skills, knowledge, discipline, experience, and endurance,” said President Battulga Khaltmaa of Mongolia.

For more information about Khaan Quest 2017, visit the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/khaanquest.

The ceremony began with opening remarks from Battulga, Lieutenant General Dulamsurengiin Davaa, MAF Chief of Staff, and Maj. Gen. Roger Noble, Deputy Commanding General-North for U.S. Army Pacific.

“The relationship between the United States and Mongolia is strong and grows stronger by the day,” said Noble. “We are very conscious and proud that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Mongolia is a partner and friend that punches above its weight in contribution to global peace and security. This is deeply valued and appreciated by the United States.”

After the opening remarks, platoons from participating countries marched past the reviewing stand and flags flown to signify patriotism and the growing relationships between participating countries. The ceremony also featured performances from the Central Military Band of the MAF and the Mongolian Military Dance and Song Ensemble.

This exercise marks the 15th iteration of Khaan Quest. Approximately 250 U.S. personnel and 600 MAF personnel are expected to participate, along with approximately 300 personnel from 25 other nations.

The exercise will consist of a command post exercise, a field training exercise and a field training event, all of which will focus on peacekeeping and stability operations. Individual events include riverine crossing, checkpoint control, combat casualty care, patrolling, convoy escort, improvised explosive device identification, civilian protection and more. Through these trainings, Mongolian, U.S. and multinational forces will enhance peacekeeping operations capabilities, develop common tactics, techniques, and procedures, and strengthen mutual relationships.

The U.S. military and members of the MAF have a long-standing relationship and routinely participate in joint exercises. Exercises like Khaan Quest contribute to a regional peacekeeping capability in Asia, which in turn fosters important worldwide peacekeeping operations.