In a remarkable display of collaborative military cooperation, U.S. Army, Malaysian Army, and Australian Defence Force personnel unified efforts during Exercise Keris Strike 25 in Perak, Malaysia. Their primary focus during this exercise was to align military planning processes, bolster interoperability, and fortify relationships among the partner nations.
Throughout the event, forces engaged in a joint planning session that utilized a collaborative approach to the military appreciation process. This procedure, employed by both Australian and Malaysian forces, corresponds to the U.S. Army’s military decision-making process. Teams collectively executed critical steps of this process, spanning from mission analysis to course of action (COA) approval.
U.S. Army Maj. Darrell J. Guthrie, an operations officer with the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, articulated the significance of these planning phases. “Step two is our mission analysis. That phase allows us to fully understand the operational environment,” he stated. He elaborated on the factors assessed during this stage, including terrain, weather, civilian presence, enemy and friendly forces, and other pivotal elements influencing the mission.
Following the mission analysis, the multinational teams proceeded to develop multiple COA solutions to the identified mission. This stage was succeeded by COA analysis, which involved an extensive war gaming session — a crucial element within the U.S. planning framework — aimed at forecasting potential outcomes and preparing leaders for varying enemy responses.
Staff Sgt. James Sienas, a signal support systems specialist with the 25th Infantry Division, shared insights on the differing approaches to war gaming between the U.S. and Malaysia. He explained, “Our war gaming process builds out depth across the plan. We look at how different elements interact, anticipate friction points and develop contingencies.” He contrasted this with the Malaysian strategy, where war gaming tends to occur later in the planning phase and primarily functions as a rehearsal.
While COA comparison usually serves as a fundamental step in military decision-making, it was not employed during this session, as only a single COA was utilized. The concluding phase, COA approval, was conducted to confirm the joint action plan and set the stage for its execution.
The joint session proved to be an essential opportunity for understanding the distinct nuances in each military’s planning philosophy. The execution of exercises side by side, accompanied by open dialogue, allowed the participating forces to gain valuable insights into each other’s strengths, planning methodologies, and decision-making frameworks.
Emphasizing the importance of multinational collaboration, Capt. Juan S. Pilarte, a military intelligence officer in the 25th Infantry Division, remarked on how integral it is to comprehend each nation’s planning processes. “By identifying those differences, we can adapt, learn from one another, and ultimately improve how we operate together,” Pilarte stressed.
Ultimately, this cooperative exercise not only fostered mutual understanding but also underscored the importance of shared decision-making for successful coalition operations. By integrating their unique planning frameworks and conducting collaborative war games, the U.S., Malaysian, and Australian forces have significantly enhanced trust and interoperability, laying the foundation for future mission successes.
Exercise Keris Strike 25 continues to serve as a vital platform for professional development, cultural exchange, and overall multinational readiness. Through endeavors such as these, the participating forces express their commitment to regional security and enduring strategic partnerships within the Indo-Pacific region.
image source from：army
