Strengthening partnership through combined training

Photo By Staff Sgt. James Bunn | Lt. Gen. Michael X. Garrett, the U.S. Army Central commanding general, takes part in a conference at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Jan. 26, 2016. During the conference, leaders from the U.S. and UAE militaries discussed future training between the two partner nations. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. James J. Bunn, 19th Public Affairs Detachment, U.S. Army Central Public Affairs Office)  

ALI AL SALEM AIR BASE, KUWAIT

01.26.2016

Story by Sgt. James Bunn 

U.S. Army Central   

Lt. Gen. Michael X. Garrett, the commanding general U.S. Army Central, hosted a planning conference with officials from the United Arab Emirates at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Jan. 26.
During the meeting, Garrett and the UAE delegation talked about future combined training opportunities between the two nations.
“My principle task is building interoperability with partner nations and building partner capacity,” said Garrett. “I am very excited for our opportunity here. What I want is a continuous relationship.”
Garrett added that combined training is important for the safety and security of the region as well as the readiness of Soldiers.
“There will certainly be a time when we are working side by side,” said Garrett. “Every day we learn something new. We need to do this as much for our captains, lieutenants and sergeants as we do for our governments.”
In addition to stressing the value of strengthening partner relationships, Garrett said realistic training is important to developing future leaders.
“If you want your young Soldiers and officers to remember the training, some part of it has to be hard,” said Garrett. “We are starting this off the right way.”
Garrett explained that strengthening relations with partner militaries is important for regional partnership and interoperability between the U.S. and UAE He added opportunities to train with partner nations builds cooperation and reaffirms our commitment to the area.
“There is a lot of cooperation between our countries, I would like to maintain it,” said Garrett. “I want to make sure we are committed to this training. I want this to be something we’re doing 10 years from now. I want it to be something that continues, something that grows.”

• Date Taken: 01.26.2016
• Date Posted: 04.19.2016 07:02
• Story ID: 195751
• Location: ALI AL SALEM AIR BASE, KW