Partnership building with the Indonesians

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jessica Tait, 353rd Special Operations Group Public Affairs
  • 353rd Special Operations Group
KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa, Japan --  Bilateral engagements in the Pacific can be impactful no matter the size of the group, cost or activities involved. Joint Special Operations Command-Pacific (JSOAC-P) demonstrated the benefits of continual partnership building during a visit by Indonesian Air Force leadership to Kadena Air Base, December 4-8, 2016.

"We pride ourselves in special operations on our relationships," said Col. William Freeman, 353rd SOG commander. "Building strong partnerships in the Pacific is extremely important. We always talk when a crisis happens how the process and bureaucracy will get in the way, so we have to have good relationships to make the mission happen."

During the visit the group exchanged capabilities briefings and toured 353rd SOG aircraft and facilities.

"Matching capability to capability, there are many parts of what we do that match up well with PASKHAS," said Maj. Michael Perry, JSOAC-P Indonesian Executive Agent. "Setting the stage for future engagements specific to special operations forces, we will benefit from our strong partnership with the Indonesian Air Force."

In addition to discussions related to specific training and operational requirements, Indonesian leadership presented their views on irregular warfare and radicalization to United States Air Force Special Operations School faculty and students.

"We were grateful to the Indonesian's for their willingness to teach a lesson on irregular warfare," said Lt. Col Chris Portele, USAFSOS Commandant. "Contemporary Insurgent Warfare Course students had a tremendous opportunity to collaborate with our Pacific partners and share perspectives that greatly enhanced the academic experience here at Kadena Air Base."

USAFSOS sent instructors to teach courses to the 353rd SOG personnel, December 5-16, 2016.

JSOAC-P continually works on building ties within the Pacific SOF network through mutually beneficial engagements.