The Indian Army contingent has departed for the 15th edition of the India-US joint Special Forces Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR. This important exercise is set to take place from November 2 to November 22, 2024, at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA. The last edition of this exercise was held in December 2023 at Umroi, Meghalaya. This marks the second exercise of the year between the Indian and US Army, following Exercise YUDH ABHYAS 2024, which took place in Rajasthan in September 2024.
Contingent Details
Both countries will participate with contingents comprising 45 personnel each. The Indian Army will be represented by its Special Forces units, while the US Army contingent will include the Green Berets.
Objectives of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR
The primary aim of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR is to enhance military cooperation between India and the US. Key objectives include:
- Promotion of Interoperability: Enhancing jointness between the two forces.
- Mutual Exchange of Tactics: Sharing special operations tactics to improve overall effectiveness.
- Combined Capabilities: Strengthening capabilities in executing joint Special Forces Operations, particularly in desert and semi-desert environments.
Focus Areas
The exercise will emphasize several critical areas, including:
- Physical Fitness: Ensuring a high degree of physical readiness among participants.
- Joint Planning: Collaborating on mission planning for effective execution.
- Tactical Drills: Conducting joint tactical exercises.
Drills and Activities
During Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR, various drills and aspects will be rehearsed, such as:
- Planning a Joint Team Mission.
- Conducting a Reconnaissance Mission.
- Utilizing Unmanned Aerial Systems.
- Executing Special Operations.
- Performing actions of a Joint Terminal Attack Controller.
- Engaging in Psychological Warfare in Special Operations.
Benefits of the Exercise
Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR is expected to provide numerous benefits, including:
- Sharing Best Practices: Facilitating the exchange of experiences for conducting joint Special Forces Operations.
- Building Interoperability: Enhancing the ability to operate together effectively.
- Fostering Camaraderie: Developing mutual respect and friendship among soldiers from both countries.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When is the Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR scheduled to take place?
- A) November 2 – November 22, 2023
- B) November 2 – November 22, 2024
- C) December 1 – December 21, 2024
- D) September 1 – September 21, 2024
Answer: B) November 2 – November 22, 2024
- Where will the Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR be conducted?
- A) Umroi, Meghalaya
- B) Rajasthan, India
- C) Idaho, USA
- D) New Delhi, India
Answer: C) Idaho, USA
- How many personnel will each contingent consist of?
- A) 30
- B) 45
- C) 60
- D) 75
Answer: B) 45
- What is one of the primary aims of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR?
- A) To conduct a live fire exercise
- B) To promote military cooperation between India and the US
- C) To train in urban warfare
- D) To showcase military equipment
Answer: B) To promote military cooperation between India and the US
- Which US Army unit is participating in the exercise?
- A) Navy SEALs
- B) Rangers
- C) Green Berets
- D) Airborne Troops
Answer: C) Green Berets