ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia –
The multinational peacekeeping exercise Khaan Quest 2024 officially ended with a closing ceremony at the Five Hills Training Facility near Ulaanbaatar as soldiers from the Mongolian Armed Forces hosted United Nations participants from 20 different nations Aug. 8, 2024.
Opening remarks were given by Mongolian Member of the State Great Hural (Parliament) S. Byambatsogtu, and Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner, commanding general, 8th Theater Sustainment Command.
“The exercise has met its objectives,” said Byambatsogtu. “May the bonds of friendship forged along the crucible elements unite you with a shared belief in global peace and security.”
Khaan Quest is an annual, multinational and multicomponent training exercise designed to promote regional peace and security. The event featured both command post and field training exercises focused on reinforcing UN standards.
“Training is readiness,” said Gardner. “I am confident each soldier here is more proficient in their profession after spending two weeks at the premiere Five Hills Training Area.”
This year marks the 21st iteration of Khaan Quest. Over 900 participants from the Unites States, Australia, Canada, China, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam took part in the exercise.
“The skills learned not only deal with the soldier’s technical expertise but strengthen our capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to future peacekeeping operations and provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” said Gardner.
During the exercise, participants were encouraged to partake in multicultural events and forge friendships. Each night, after training, a participating nation performed a cultural demonstration to build relationships and foster cultural appreciation.
“Partnerships matter,” said Gardner. “The relationships built and the experiences you shared over the past two weeks are just as important as the technical and tactical proficiencies that have been gained. Of the four components of interoperability, the most important is the human component. This component relies strongly on relationships and trust. We built that here at Khaan Quest.”
The closing ceremony featured traditional Mongolian music and Mongolian soldiers in ceremonial garb.
“On behalf of the Mongolian Parliament, I would like to convey our sincere gratitude to the United States for your support organizing the Khaan Quest exercise,” said Byambatsogtu. “This has endured and fostered mutual trust, building friendship, expanding cooperation, and facilitating an exchange of knowledge.”