SAN ISIDRO AIRBASE, Dominican republic.- U.S. Marines and Sailors from the Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force recently visited the Dominican Republic for two days where they carried out joint training exercises with members of the anti-narcotics unit of the Dominican Air Force, the U.S. military website DVIDSnet reports.

It said the two forces worked on weapons training, night-vision goggle familiarization, patrolling, military operations in urban areas, combat lifesaver techniques, a Marine-Corps martial arts program and finally a ‘heli-borne airfield assault’.

Marine captain Nelson Candelario is reported to have said that the benefits of such exercises are ‘tangible and apparent’ to both the Americans and the Dominicans. The latter receive invaluable training in tactics, techniques and procedures which will aid them greatly in future military and law-enforcement operations. As for the Marines, Candelario said that it gave them some perspective on their own exceedingly high levels of professionalism and expertise.

Parachutist Major Eddy Reyes Concepción, DEPROSER commanding officer spoke of how the joint training will enhance the new unit’s ability to fight the war against drug trafficking. "This training benefits us in that we learn new techniques for combating drugs. This knowledge will be put into practice when we are conducting operations," he said. "Now we will have better results in the fight against drug trafficking and the emerging threats that we are facing every day."

The Marines are in the region as part of a Southern Partnership Station-Amphib, a mission that nurtures cooperation with Partner nations of the US in the Caribbean and Central American regions, said the report. Candelario said the relationship building and military training operations are conducive to productive interaction between the Marines and their foreign counterparts. He said that the exercises would pave the way for similar events in the future.

Sgt. Brandon Price, SCMAGTF Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor said ‘it was an honor to learn about different cultures by working with the Dominicans’ and remarked on their willingness to learn, "They were receptive and eager to learn. They're like sponges, pay attention and are totally focused," he said. He affirmed that despite the language barrier they were easily able to form a camaraderie, states the website. The Dominicans are reported to have shown a great enthusiasm for the exercises and to have thoroughly enjoyed them. Corporal Parachutist Yeurys Gonzales Matos also adds that he had made new friends during the exchange.

But according to the website Candelario said that the marines also learnt something from the event and that by training with different nations they are able to evaluate and sharpen their own techniques. "Gaining different perspectives betters the individual Marine's ability to overcome obstacles they encounter during the course of operations." said the captain. "These events are an excellent way for us to gain valuable training because it allows us to determine what we need to change or improve because it is outdated and no longer effective. It helps us figure out what is current and relevant in today's operational environment," he said. "Often times we are using techniques the U.S. forces no longer use because they have developed more effective techniques. Events like this allow us to learn and also benefit from those more effective techniques."

According to the report Concepcion said joint training opportunities help guarantee his airmen are ready to respond at a moment's notice. "My men are committed to their mission 24/7 and they get the best results. They are willing to engage in operations regardless of time or place; they are always ready."

But to LCpl. Corey Armstrong, who coached M16 range, the event was deeper than just the tangible act of training together – he said he wanted to make an impact on the Dominicans, "When we leave, I hope we leave them with the impression Marines are very professional and well-trained – we want it to mean something to them."