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Engineering troops practicing demining and handling UXO |
Taking place in India from November 3 to 24, the exercise focuses on combined operations of engineering and medical forces as part of units joining the U.N. peacekeeping operations.
In the scenario-based practical training phase, Vietnamese and Indian engineering troops practice demining and handling unexploded ordnance (UXO) to ensure safe movement for U.N. peacekeeping forces. The exercise is centered around a scenario at Akoka Base, where engineering sections are tasked with surveying and clearing mines and UXO on access routes before U.N. peacekeeping forces deploy.
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Vietnamese and Indian engineering forces assembling prefabricated buildings and observation posts |
During the demining simulation, the Vietnamese-Indian team encountered a roadblock caused by a tree, necessitating coordinated clearing. They then identified suspected UXO, marked the danger zone, and requested assistance from the U.N. Mine Action Service (UNMAS), which sent specialists for a controlled detonation. The operation was conducted safely and successfully, showcasing the team's proficiency.
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Building protective fencing around the base |
Evaluating the training results, Major Taranveer Singh from India's Engineering Brigade 474, the chief scenario director, stated, “I appreciate but am not surprised by the capabilities of the Vietnamese engineering troops, who come from a country deeply scarred by war, still burdened with the remnants of bombs, mines, and unexploded ordnance. This is a valuable opportunity for us to learn from and exchange experiences with Vietnamese soldiers, who are truly professional, experienced, and brave.”
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Medical personnel in mass-casualty emergency training |
VINBAX 2024 is in the specialized skills training phase, before entering the integrated exercise phase. At this phase, the engineering force is trained on base models at the U.N. peacekeeping missions, the structure and construction methods of some works to ensure security and safety at the mission; practicing the construction of ammunition depots, assembling prefabricated houses, protective fence systems, and observation towers at a U.N. base.
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Helicopter of the Indian Air Force in training |
The military medical force participated in training on airlift emergency procedures, the organizational structure of the Level 2 Field Hospital, and the external ambulance team. They observed emergency triage exercises for building collapse due to earthquakes, as well as handling mass trauma at the Level 2 Field Hospital.
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Vietnamese air force officers serving as observers |
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Brigadier Kapoor, Commanding Officer of India’s Engineering Brigade 474, inspecting the training site |
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Experience sharing session between Vietnamese and Indian participating forces |
The Vietnamese air force surveyed the helipad for the integrated scenario exercise and observed the take-off and landing procedures of the Indian HAL Prachand helicopter.
Translated by Trung thanh