JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division and 6th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment concluded the 11th iteration of exercise Yudh Abhyas at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Sept. 9-23.

Yudh Abhyas is an annual, U.S. Army Pacific-sponsored Theater Security Cooperation Program bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the U.S. and Indian army partnership. This was the first iteration of this exercise held at JBLM.

"It has been great training with them," said 1st Lt. Tyler Smith, platoon leader, 1-23 Inf. "A lot of progress has been made. We were able to discuss each other's standard operating procedures, tactics and techniques."

The exercise began with basic squad procedures training and familiarization on both army's weapons. The training then focused on rappelling techniques used during air assault operations.

After several days of army training, the Indian soldiers had the opportunity to experience some cultural attractions around Washington such as Ocean Shores, Ruby Beach and attending a Seattle Mariners baseball game.

"We have been able to see them in a tactical setting as well as out enjoying the different attractions and sights Washington has to offer," said Smith. The soldiers quickly transitioned back to training as they began squad movement drills at Leschi Town, which is a mock town at JBLM, used to simulate scenarios for possible deployments.

The soldiers were split into six platoon-sized elements, each operating toward maintaining control of a town square or assaulting enemy targets in an urban environment.

Indian Capt. Vishnu Hoda, 6th Battalion of the Kumaon Regiment, commanded one of the platoons during the movement exercises.

"We learned a lot during this training ranging from the fire and move to the room clearing procedures," said Hoda. "I loved the training, because we could actually simulate a room interaction using blank rounds. There has been no difficulty communicating with the U.S. because we do our best at speaking each other's language."

The first few days of the field training event started with platoon lanes focused on basic maneuvers, which then progressed towards company level operations.

"We have been teaching them our techniques for operating in a Stryker environment like us and learned how they train as a light infantry unit in mountainous terrain," Smith said.

The soldiers finished five days of tactical procedures by incorporating all lessons learned to successfully assault a target, eliminate enemy threat, seize the objective and evacuate any casualties, during the culminating training event.

"My soldiers have enjoyed every aspect of this training and working with the U.S.," Hoda said. "I have realized the armies of the countries may be different but the techniques they follow, training and commonalities between them is the same."

The last two events for Yudh Abhyas were friendly games of cricket and soccer. A closing ceremony, to commemorate what happened over the last two weeks, showcased the flourishing partnership between the two nations.

Indian Maj. Gen. Dharam Vir Singh Rana, general officer commanding the Madhya Bharat area, commented on the lessons learned by the Kumaon Regiment during the Yudh Abhyas closing ceremony.

"It has been an excellent learning experience for us," said Rana. "The application of the high tech training platforms is a huge improvement for us. Yudh Abhyas exercise will go a long way in deepening the relationship between our great armies."