Tentera Darat Diraja Brunei

KOTA BELUD, 1 OKT  – ‘The best form of welfare for the troops is first-rate training’.

This was the take from Germany’s World War II inspiration, Field Marshal General Erwin Rommel.

Likewise, Malaysian Army 5th Brigade commander Brigadier-General Mohd Sobirin Mohd Yusof loves to adopt Rommel’s adage.

“In the military world, we need to realise that training is a virtue and considered fruitful to enable us to survive during war.

“As soldiers, we are trained for war, nonetheless. Therefore, frequent exercises will definitely assess our level of readiness in terms of tactics, techniques and procedures.

“Training will directly increase our level of professionalism. At the same time, it will unearth weaknesses which we need to hone and sharpen,” Sobirin said during ‘Exercise Malbru Setia 15/2023’ and ‘Mertak Bersatu 13/2023’ held from Sept 17.

Present were Malaysian Army 5th Division commander Major-General Malek Razak Sulaiman, 13th Infantry Brigade chief Brigadier-General Hashim Osman, 5th Division Artillery commander Colonel Mohd Imran Ibrahim, 5th Division headquarters chief-of-staff Colonel Shamsolnizam Karman, Royal Malay Regiment 22nd Battalion commanding officer Lieutenant-Colonel Zain Azrai Karia and Royal Brunei Army Field Command chief Lieutenant-Colonel Mohammad Fakaruddin Zuraidie Ramli.

Malaysian Army 5th Brigade commander Brigadier-General Mohd Sobirin Mohd Yusof. Foto: Markas 5 Briged

Sobirin said that the world was changing rapidly as technology was getting sophisticated, with military equipment and assets becoming more capable.

“However, possessing such advanced and capable firepower will be meaningless if we are not able to utilise them responsibly,” he warned.

On the conclusion of the exercise, Sobirin said that it did not mean the end of a relationship as it had benefitted the officers and men involved.

“A strong friendship does not need daily conversation or being together. As long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends never part.

“We need to maintain this relationship because the world is too small for us to separate.

“Gradually, we will meet again in the series of exercises that will ensue in other platforms,” he said.

Sobirin called on the exercise participants to assess what they had undergone, identify weaknesses and plan to execute corrective measures.

‘Malbru Setia’ exercise was of a field training concept incorporating an offensive conventional warfare, involving the Malaysian Royal Malay Regiment’s 22nd Battalion and the Royal Brunei Army’s 2nd Battalion.

“We cannot acquire perfect knowledge and skills but we must be able to execute our duties responsibly and to the best of our abilities.

“Through exercises, we will be aware where close cooperation and relationships between Malaysia and Brunei can guarantee security and peace in this region.

“Although it was just an exercise for a general scenario to defend North Borneo from the enemy, our joint and organised commitment evoked the cooperation needed to defend our sovereignty, despite many shortcomings.

“This is an invaluable experience forever,” said Sobirin.

The ‘Malbru Setia’ exercise was the second in Sabah following its inception in 1993, while ‘Mertak Bersatu’ was the third time held there since 1994.

The ‘Malbru Setia’ exercise was of a field training concept incorporating an offensive conventional warfare, involving the Malaysian Royal Malay Regiment’s 22nd Battalion and the Royal Brunei Army’s 2nd Battalion.

The exercise was supported by elements from the armour, artillery and engineering segments.

MALBRU SETIA and MERTAK BERSATU provides invaluable experience to Malaysian Army and the coutnerpart, Royal Brunei Land Forces. Foto: Markas 5 Briged

As for the ‘Mertak Bersatu’ exercise, it concerned 81mm mortar firing at the shooting range, involving a platoon each from the Malaysian and Brunei armies.

Meanwhile, Fakaruddin said that the exercises were a continuation towards the progress, cooperation and collective success that had been established since 1993.

“Through exercises, we will be aware where close cooperation and relationships between Malaysia and Brunei can guarantee security and peace in this region.”

“Apart from improving military professionalism, the joint exercises encouraged bilateral engagement and mutual understanding to improve and maintain two-way operations and procedures.

“It also enabled us to conduct training at tactical levels to expand reciprocal knowledge, techniques and procedures to develop interoperability between our armies.

“The conventional warfare concept allowed us to implement measures in the advance and offensive phase to accord us the expertise, passion and determination to tackle any challenges.

“We believe that such a close cooperation can enable us to achieve more than what we can get as separate entities,” Fakaruddin said.

He added that the journey had been complex but fulfilled with sustainable planning, coordination and implementation.

“This common dedication, spirit and commitment has led to this historic moment to where we are today.

“I have no doubt that with this strength and determination of friendship, we will overcome whatever challenges ahead.

“Let us move forward with courage, unity and undivided commitment to achieve our vision together.

“May our bilateral relationship be filled with prosperity, compassion and a lasting impact for future generations,” said Fakaruddin. – airtimes.my

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