US Army and Singapore Armed Forces conduct FTX during Tiger Balm 2022.

Soldiers of the U.S. Army and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) participated in the culminating field training exercise for Exercise Tiger Balm 2022 on June 15, 2022. Tiger Balm is a U.S. Army Pacific-sponsored bilateral training event with SAF as part of the USARPAC Theater Security Cooperation Program conducted during the annual Operation PATHWAYS series of exercises. Spc. Mebea Demelash reports.
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During the Annual Exercise Tiger Balm, there was a Field Training Exercise (FTX) between the U.S. Armed Forces and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) during which various military vehicles such as the Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) were used. (Picture source: U.S. Army Reserve/Spc. Midori)

The field training exercise is the main event for Tiger Balm and puts the tactical skills of both armed forces to the test with a simulated mission. The mission is centered on the exchange of wheeled/motorized Infantry Tactics, Techniques and Procedures to enhance interoperability between U.S. Strykers and SAF units in an urban environment.

"It was quite eye-opening," said Capt. David George, Platoon Commander, 5th Singapore Infantry Regiment. "The whole realism of this exercise allows us to understand each other's weaknesses and strengths and cover the gaps."

Tiger Balm's ultimate goal is to build combat readiness, strengthen interoperability and demonstrate the regional security partnership. "We really have been focused on the three components of interoperability — the human component, the procedural component, and the technical component," said Lt. Col. Jacob Cross, Commander of 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment. We've learned a lot of great lessons."

The U.S. and Singapore armies are long-term partners in the region, and Exercise Tiger Balm provides the opportunity to exchange tactics, techniques, procedures and to improve both armies' ability to operate seamlessly together.

Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Lt. Col. Abu Bakar, Commander of the 5th Singapore Infantry Regiment, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jacob Cross, Commander of 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team out of Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, during Exercise Tiger Balm 2022. (Picture source: U.S. Army Reserve/Spc. Midori)