The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) wrap up a successful 26th edition of Exercise Valiant Mark, reinforcing longstanding defense ties.
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the United States Marine Corps (USMC) have successfully concluded the 26th edition of the annual bilateral Exercise Valiant Mark (XVM), held from October 7 to October 21, 2023. The closing ceremony, co-officiated by Commanding Officer 1st Battalion, Singapore Guards Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Lim and Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion 4th Marines, Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Holland, took place at Camp Pendleton, California on October 21, 2023.
More than 600 personnel from the SAF’s 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade, 1st Battalion Singapore Guards, and the USMC’s 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in the exercise. The event culminated in a battalion-level amphibious mission, involving joint planning and the capturing of urban objectives. Additional elements of the exercise encompassed Subject Matter Expert exchanges, urban operations training, live-firing, and brigade-level planning exercises.
Launched in 1991, Exercise Valiant Mark underscores the enduring and robust bilateral defense relations between Singapore and the United States. Regular interactions through various bilateral and multilateral exercises, high-level visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses and seminars have resulted in mutually beneficial exchanges. These exchanges have not only enhanced cooperation and professionalism within both armed forces but have also fostered strong rapport and camaraderie among their personnel.
