The fourth iteration of the "Black Marlin" exercise, a joint military exercise between the US Montana National Guard and the Maldives National Defense Force has commenced.
Chief of Defense Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy inaugurated the training ceremony at the Iskandar Barracks on Sunday, alongside US Montana National Guard's Adjutant General Peter Ronek and US Ambassador to the Maldives Hugo Yon.
Scheduled from today until the 28th of this month, the training comprises five Subject Matter Expert Exchange Programmes (SMEEs), covering intelligence, logistics, medical, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and infantry. While the infantry SMEE will be held in Laamu Kadhdhoo, the remaining sessions will take place in Male'.
A new endeavor called the “Field Grade Exchange Program” is also planned as part of this year’s exercises, aimed to equip participants with the skills necessary to lead and manage integrated cross-functional staff at the brigade or battalion level. This program seeks to enhance understanding of staff officers' responsibilities, the military planning process, and training management, according to the Maldives National Defence Force.
