By Cpl. Josh Cox, Combined-Joint Information Bureau
KORAT, Thailand (May 17, 2008) – Exercise Cobra Gold 2008 is an annual combined, joint training evolution and humanitarian effort held in the Kingdom of Thailand. But, from inside the box it’s really a lot more.
The exercise is more than field training, sorties and scenarios.
The training and real-world missions are the central reason why we are here, but the exercise is also an opportunity for the U.S. military to build lasting relationships with different nations and cultures.
In today’s world, relations with foreign nations are extremely crucial to global infrastructure. The relationships we have with nations like Thailand have huge diplomatic benefits for all parties involved. We aren’t politicians or celebrities -- we are average American citizens, and here I think people associate America’s image with us more so than well-known Americans.
Since my flight into Bangkok on May 7th, I have met countless people from around the world. The local culture and the service members representing Thailand, Japan, Indonesia and Singapore have embraced Americans participating in the exercise.
They feel honored to meet and converse with any U.S. service member, regardless of service, rank or age.
The language barriers and cultural differences here fail to stop the service members from making the best of the exercise.
Moreover, I have been invited to several dinners and official functions with our Thai counterparts thus far, and I don’t think I have ever been treated so well by a host anywhere in my entire life -- and I’m from the south.
Our Thai comrades have been very hospitable and supportive. They have taught us the local culture and traditions, and have insisted we try to immerse ourselves in wholesome Thai customs and activities. U.S. service members here have learned native Thai phrases, tried new foods, (some extremely spicy), observed king cobra handling, practiced Muay Thai boxing and have even sang karaoke.
In our combined environment, we depend on each other to accomplish the mission daily. I have relied on the Thai to help me find great stories to report on, interpret interviews and find my way around. It’s amazing we can work so well with so many differences.
Ranks are also very different in our work environment. Many of our Thai counterparts are commissioned officers, one a general officer. He approaches us everyday and asks how we are doing. For me, being personally greeted by a general officer is very special. We are a combined agency, with a unified mindset and work ethos, which builds morale and camaraderie.
It seems like the Thai have a huge respect and admiration for us, and it extends far beyond the military. It is very common to see a Thai service member salute all ranks here to show mutual respect, even when in civilian attire.
Thailand is known as the land of smiles, and I think the moniker fits it well. Everyone smiles and greets others with a “wai.”
A wai is a Thai salutation when one brings their palms together at the chest or face, and slightly bows while giving an appropriate greeting of the day. American service members have learned the custom and regularly exchange 'wais' with the Thai.
This exercise has brought us together. It has created a multinational coalition as well as a joint environment for Department of Defense personnel. Many agencies are represented including the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy. Having the chance to familiarize myself with different military practices is some of the most important training I have received to date. Operating in an unfamiliar area has also prepared me for deployments elsewhere.
The humanitarian assistance organized during the exercise has catapulted a training evolution into a vital operation. Marines are born and bred to be the first to fight -- but more importantly, we are shaped to ultimately help people. I think this is true for the entire U.S. military. That’s why I joined the military -- to serve, help people and travel. These humanitarian events help those in need, and build close relationships with the Thai civilian population.
I may sound like Miss South Carolina on the pageant stage when I make this statement; but, I believe exercises like Cobra Gold are incredibly important for America, the military and the world alike.