U.S. soldiers and Oklahoma National Guard personnel trained alongside Royal Brunei Land Forces soldiers August 11-21 during Exercise Pahlawan Warrior 26 at Tutong Camp, improving tactical proficiency and strengthening military ties.
The exercise brought approximately 130 U.S. personnel to Brunei for the biennial training under Operation Pathways. The 1st Squadron, 180th Cavalry Regiment, Oklahoma National Guard, led the U.S. contingent. Training included tactical operations, cyber defense, medical operations, and public affairs.
Each force brought distinct expertise: U.S. personnel shared experience with live-fire range operations while Royal Brunei Land Forces demonstrated jungle tactics they conduct regularly. "Their ability to navigate on different analog systems and go from one hilltop to the other at a rapid pace is just amazing," said Maj. Kent Turner, commander of U.S. personnel during the exercise.
Integrating personnel at the small-unit level allowed soldiers to develop relationships and understand how counterparts communicate and operate. Junior leaders faced decision-making challenges in unfamiliar terrain with limited communications.
"The true value of Pahlawan Warrior is in the human connection," said Col. Erwan bin Haji Ibrahim, a Bruneian commander. "Lifelong friendships have been forged here." The exercise supports a broader strategic purpose of strengthening the defense relationship between the two nations and regional stability.