The Singapore and the United States Armies are conducting an annual bilateral training exercise, codenamed Tiger Balm, from 15 to 27 July 2014. Chief of Staff, 9th Singapore Division (9 DIV), Colonel (COL) Mohamad Fadzully bin Abas and the Deputy Division Commander of the 25th Infantry Division (25 ID), United States Army Pacific (USARPAC), Brigadier-General (BG) Todd B. McCaffrey, co-officiated at the opening ceremony of the exercise in Hawaii this morning (Singapore time).
 
The brigade-level exercise involves about 300 personnel from the 23rd Singapore Infantry Brigade, 9 DIV; 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), 25 ID, USARPAC; and 29th IBCT, Hawaii Army National Guard. Together, they will conduct a command post exercise focusing on peace support and stability operations.
 
Speaking after the opening ceremony, COL Fadzully highlighted that Exercise Tiger Balm enhances the strong relationship between the two armies. He said, "This exercise is a good platform for both armies to interoperate and exchange best practices. We value the training opportunities and look forward to the professional interactions with the US Army." BG McCaffrey highlighted that this exercise "allows our division to partner and improve our interoperability with one of Asia's most advanced and well trained armies." He added that both armies could "gain a deepened understanding of the tactics, techniques, and procedures each of our units use to accomplish their mission."
 
Exercise Tiger Balm is one of many bilateral interactions between the Singapore and US defence establishments. Both countries share an excellent and long-standing defence relationship, and the two armed forces interact extensively through exercises, professional exchange programmes and cross-attendance of professional courses. These interactions have enhanced the professionalism and interoperability between the armed forces and fostered mutual understanding among their personnel.