Approximately 220 members of
the Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF) are joining 100 U.S. and 180 international
military representatives in exercise Khaan Quest 2011, from July 25 to August
25.  The Exercise is a multinational peace support operations training
with the goal of increasing peace support operations core competencies. 
The exercise is hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces and, as part of the
exercise, Mongolian, Multinational, and U.S. forces will conduct training
designed to improve multi-national speed of response, mission effectiveness,
interoperability and unity of effort.

The MAF and U.S. will also
conduct Humanitarian Civic Assistance operations and medical and engineering
capabilities exercises.  The purpose of Khaan Quest is to gain United
Nations Training recognition and certification of participants; train MAF,
multinational and U.S. personnel; increase interoperability; and improve
military relationships among participating nations.

The military part of the exercise began yesterday at the
MAF Five Hills Training area at a ceremony where President Ts.Elbegdorj, who is
also the MAF Commander General, took the salute.  Troops from Mongolia, the USA, Australia,
Cambodia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea are taking part in
field exercises and personnel from Russia, China, France, Great Britain and
Vietnam are attending as observers. This part will end on August 12.