U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY -- The 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron partnered with the Royal Saudi Air Force to conduct a two-day integrated skill exchange exercise designed to enhance tactical capability, reinforce mutual trust and strengthen regional defense posture, May 21-22, 2025.
The engagement included combined force protection drills, weapons familiarization and small unit tactics, ensuring both forces remain postured to respond to regional threats swiftly and decisively.
“Training with our RSAF counterparts is an important factor of our partnership, but more significant than the classes or demonstrations is the cooperation and strengthening of relationships between our services,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Rinalyn Ecleonel, 378th ESFS training support noncommissioned officer. “By engaging in training like this, we can share the best practices, enhance interoperability and build trust.”
This two-day integration showcased the strength of partnership between the USAF and the RSAF. Beginning with an indoor training seminar hosted by the RSAF and featuring Airmen from the 378th ESFS and the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, the event culminated in a combined tactical demonstration, reinforcing a shared commitment to mission readiness and operational excellence. More than just an exercise, this collaboration emphasized mutual trust, interoperability, and the enduring relationships that drive successful coalition efforts beyond the classroom.
"Through meticulous planning and coordination, the 378th ESFS successfully brought together the expertise of the USAF and RSAF, showcasing the strength of our partnership,” said Charles Sasser, 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron training support officer. “The professionalism and dedication displayed in these partner training efforts underscore the enduring bond between our two nations, ultimately enhancing our collective capabilities and solidifying our shared tactical objectives at the lowest levels."
When allies and partners operate the same platforms using the same systems, they speak the same language. This translates directly to the effectiveness of the U.S.’ regional partners in their ability to fight together with similar operational tactics and common understanding of the strategic environment.
“The demonstrations today showed the capabilities of both the Royal Saudi Air Force and the United States Air Force. Both sides performed their best and we showed each other how we can work better together,” said an RSAF service member.
As the strategic partnership between the United States and regional partners continues to evolve, integrated initiatives like this serve as both a testament to shared values and a commitment to advancing peace and security through strength.