Cormorant Strike’ in full swing

http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/11/25/sec01.asp

Cormorant Strike’ in full swing

* Joint exercise sets precedent
* Around 2,500 forces personnel participate
Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE
A joint Army, Navy and Air Force exercise code-named ‘Cormorant Strike’ is being carried out in Silawatura, Mannar at present. Around 2,500 Security Forces personnel are taking part in the exercise.
In addition 40 naval and aircraft including the Shakthi naval vessel, Kfir aircraft, MI 24 helicopters, Y12 and MI 17 participated in the Cormorant Strike. Security forces personnel from the commando regiment and Special Forces directly are involved in ground battle. They were brought to the land from the Shakthi ship by Navy vessels. This amphibious landing was jointly coordinated by senior security officials in the Tri-Forces. Besides commando troops landed with the support of helicopters. “This exercise commenced a few days ago. During that period troops have already been deployed for the preliminary operations and main operation. These troops will gain all the territories that have been designed as an enemy area,” Military spokesman Major General Ubaya Medawala said. Through this exercise different levels of command will be exercised in command ability, decision making ability, and how they evolve different plans to match the concept already evaluated and need to put into practise.
Through this exercise the gained pluses as well as shortcomings will be taken into consideration, he added.
This is the first time in the history of Sri Lankan Security Forces that such a joint exercise is held. Military exercises are to be conducted regularly to gauge and assess military effectiveness of any army or armed forces, Major General Ubaya Medawala said.
The Military Spokesman said so addressing media yesterday in Silawatura, Mannar.