Jakarta – Operators of an elite reconnaissance unit of the Indonesian Marine Corps kicked off a joint training with their American counterparts in Situbondo, East Java, on Thursday.

Maj. Gen. Achmad Faridz Washington, commandant of the Indonesian Marine Corps, said the training with Special Forces operators of the United States Marine Corps would improve his troops' readiness for battle.

"Marines are required to have high standards – both in terms of techniques and tactics – to face any developing threat to our security," Achmad was quoted as saying by state-run owned news agency Antara. "This training will help them achieve such standards."

As part of the training, which is code-named "Iron Lantern," soldiers from both nations will share experiences, knowledge and skills needed on land and at sea.

Indonesia's Maj. Freddy Ardianzah, who leads the joint exercise, said the training would also help strengthen ties between the units. The training will run through April 10.

Source: http://thejakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/us-indonesian-marines-launch-joint-exercise-e-java/