Singapore and US Armies Mark 40th Edition of Exercise Tiger Balm

Chief of Staff-General Staff (COS-GS) of the Singapore Army, Brigadier-General (BG) Frederick Choo witnessed the unveiling of the 40th edition commemorative logo for Exercise Tiger Balm at the exercise closing ceremony.

The Singapore Army and the United States (US) Army successfully conducted the 40^th edition of the flagship bilateral Exercise Tiger Balm 2021 today. Chief of Staff-General Staff (COS-GS) of the Singapore Army, Brigadier-General (BG) Frederick Choo and Deputy Commanding General United States Army Pacific (DCG USARPAC) Major General (MG) Jonathan P. Braga, co-officiated at the exercise closing ceremony and jointly unveiled a 40^th edition commemorative logo for the exercise to symbolise the excellent and long-standing friendship between both armies.

The brigade-level exercise, conducted from 7 to 14 May, involved participants from Headquarters 6th Singapore Division and 9th Singapore Infantry Brigade, and the US Army's Headquarters 25th Infantry Division, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the Hawaii Army National Guard's 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Due to COVID-19, this year's exercise was conducted virtually. The exercise allowed both armies to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance interoperability through a series of professional exchanges, and culminated in a table-top exercise where participants worked together to develop an operational plan based on an area security operations scenario.

Inaugurated in 1981, Exercise Tiger Balm is the longest-running bilateral exercise between the Singapore Army and the US Army. Speaking on the significance of this milestone, COS-GS BG Frederick Choo said, "Through four decades of exchanges, we have learnt from each other, and enhanced our professionalism and interoperability. We have also seen strong friendships forged over the years, which reflects our mutual trust and collaborative spirit. These lasting friendships are a hallmark of Exercise Tiger Balm and form the bedrock of the relationship that our armies share." DCG USARPAC MG Jonathan P. Braga added, "For forty years, Exercise Tiger Balm has strengthened the partnership between the Singapore Army and US Army Pacific, and has highlighted the close cooperation and deep respect between our two armies. Exercise Tiger Balm is the catalyst for solidifying interoperability and contributes to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and we look forward to the continued growth of our partnership through this exercise."

Apart from Exercise Tiger Balm, both armies also interact extensively through professional exchange programmes, cross-attendance of courses, as well as bilateral and multilateral exercises. These regular interactions have enhanced the professionalism, friendships and mutual understanding between the personnel from both armies.

Participants from Headquarters 6th Singapore Division and 9th Singapore Infantry Brigade developing an operational plan for the brigade-level exercise.

Exercise participants from both armies during the Subject Matter Expert Exchange.