PUSLATPUR, Indonesia –
Pacific Pathways, an innovative concept established to capitalize on several existing bilateral training exercises, is in full swing within the Indo-Asia Pacific region.
The training deployment method overcomes some of the logistical obstacles associated with transit back and forth across this vast region for each separate exercise by providing a "pathway" for U.S. Army Pacific forces to maximize training opportunities.
Beginning with their home station training at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Yakima Training Center in Washington, then a decisive action-focused rotation at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., elements from 2nd Infantry Division's "Lancer" Brigade have been selected to spearhead the second waypoint here with Garuda Shield 2014 in Indonesia.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment are currently participating in the month-long bilateral-exercise in East Java to help strengthen regional capabilities, understanding, and interoperability.
Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Michael Trotter, 2nd Bn., 1st Inf. Reg., expressed what it means to command one of the battalions participating in this Pathways concept.
"When we talk about the future of the Army, this is a microcosm of where our force is trying to go," said Trotter, a Brooklyn native. "We are very proud to be here. This is a big deal!"
With Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment current participating in Keris Strike in Malaysia, the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team has a unique opportunity to be involved in series of exercises that offer realistic training in a variety of climates, terrains, and environments necessary to maintain unified land operations readiness.
Company Commander, Capt. Sean Stroh, Bravo "Blackwatch" Company, 2nd Bn., 1st Inf. Reg., reflects on Garuda Shield, conducted alongside soldiers of the Tentara Nasional Indonesia's 411th Raider Infantry Battalion, and the relevance of not only executing operations in this environment, but being a part of this training pathway.
"This is a good opportunity to display the unit's training readiness," said the Lancaster, Penn., native. "How well can you take a company and its equipment, deploy to another country, get it operational, and fight along side allied partners. There isn't a better opportunity to do that than here."
Whether reinforcing the fundamentals of being in the tactical field environments, operating more than 30 vehicle and aircrafts during scenario driven operation, or participating in live fire exercises with militaries from three countries, Trotter explained the most rewarding part of Pacific Pathways.
"What I really enjoy is watching Soldiers who have never experienced any of this, exercising the fundamentals through the operations we are doing, and integrating procedures done over the last 13 years in combat … you are seeing Soldiers grow right in front of you eyes," Trotter said. "This training, this experience is what they will draw upon when they become leaders in the future."
Following Garuda Shield and Keris Strike, next month "Blackwatch" Co., will join Charlie "Chosen" Company, 1st Bn., 17th Inf. Reg., in the culminating exercise, Orient Shield, held in Japan; the final way point in Pacific Pathways before they return to their home station.
For these Lancers Soldiers, Pacific Pathways is more than just a series of operational training exercises. The concept has proven itself to be an educational opportunity that is the platform to increase unit readiness and set the standard for forces in the future.
"This training is not just about the near term, it is truly about the future," Trotter concluded. "Our Army -- active duty, National Guard and reservist -- has come together along this pathway to shape the future of our total composition force."