U.S. Marines participate in exchange program with Indonesia

The U.S. Marines are participating in a military exchange with Indonesian Marines to train and learn from each other.

The 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment is participating with the Indonesian Korps Marinir (KORMAR). The soldiers are training in Eastern Java, Indonesia, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay.

The exchange shows the nations’ continued commitment to share information as well as increases the ability to respond to crises together in the Pacific region and enhances the capability of both services.

The marines are sharing tactics, establishing relationships with their partner nation counterparts, and developing new leadership styles.

“For basic tactics, we do the same thing for shooting and maneuver, but we have a different terrain and environment,” 2nd Lt. Gilang Kanandha, a platoon commander with the KORMAR, said. “We can make our Marine Corps better by learning new things and [the U.S.] Marines can learn something new too.”

U.S. Staff Sgt. Nathanial Skousen said the marines interacted with each other naturally and that the United States’ relationship with Indonesia is strong. The same type of people are drawn to military service, he said.

Skousen is the company gunnery sergeant for Company A., 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment.

Training began Aug. 6 and will continue through Aug. 29.