The Nepal Army (NA) will host the U.S. Army for a combined exercise focusing on disaster response training beginning in mid October. The exercise will commence on October 18th with the arrival of two U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft. This aircraft is known for its light cargo capacity and minimal runway requirements. The aircraft will arrive with U.S. Army personnel and equipment necessary to conduct training.

The exercise is approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs.  Its main objective is to develop the Nepal Army’s role in directing international assistance during a disaster-related crisis.  The exercise will consist of combined Nepal Army and U.S. Army parachute training to simulate a disaster response, light search and rescue training with helicopter support, and a humanitarian aid and disaster relief expert exchange planned and executed by the Mahabir Rangers.

According to the press release issued by Public Affairs Section of Embassy of the United States, the combined parachute training on October 26th will commence with the arrival of a C-130 aircraft between October 24th and 25th. The Nepal Army and U.S. Army will conduct training to access areas difficult to reach by road in the event of a major disaster.  Light search and rescue training in Pokhara on the following day will utilize Nepal Army helicopter support for medical emergencies and disaster recovery efforts.

The Nepal Army and the U.S. Pacific Command recently completed a Disaster Response and Emergency Exercise in Kathmandu. The Nepal Army and the U.S. Army often conduct exercises together as a sign of their continuing efforts to improve disaster response capabilities.