U.S. Soldiers with 8th Military Police Brigade conducted a demonstration on unmannned aerial vehicles for members of the Mongolian Armed Forces during Khaan Quest 2016 at Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

The training provided MAF members with a deeper understanding of the purpose and operations of UAVs and how they can be used during peacekeeping missions.

The U.S. instructors started with and introductory class explaining the components of the UAVs and the basic concepts involved with operating them. Afterwards, the instructors demonstrated how to fly the UAVs in a before the high winds typical to this area started gusting.

“We’ve conducted classroom portions of UAV operations training and today we demonstrated the capabilities of takeoff, flying and landing,” said Army Sgt. Rose, assigned to 8th Military Police Brigade. “They are very excited learning the equipment capabilities. These concepts are very new to them as they have not been implemented in their operations.”

For the practical demonstration, the MAF participants filed out of the classroom building and clambered up a ladder to the roof of a multipurpose building to observe the demonstration.

“We have approximately 19 MAF personnel participating in the training today,” said MAF 2nd Lt. Jamiyankhuu. “This is their first time conducting this training we find it extremely useful for our part in UN operations such as convoys and surveillance. We have personnel deploying soon…for a peacekeeping mission.”

The practical application consisted of a review of the basic operation of the UAV and how to gauge weather conditions in order to best care for equipment.

U.S. Army SFC Bradley Godsey demonstrates the steps of launching an unmanned aerial vehicle May 27 during the UAV training portion of Khaan Quest 2016 at Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

According to Rose, the Mongolians will implement the training well, due to their involvement in UN operations.

“The MAF have just recently begun purchasing and finding ways to implement UAVs,” said Rose, a Meniffe, California, native. “In case of a (humanitarian aid disaster relief mission) such as flooding or natural disasters, they can see what’s happening on the ground without sending up an expensive helicopter. It’s cost efficient and provides a live video feed of the situation on the ground and can save on lives just as much as government costs.”

After the practical application, students had the opportunity to inspect the equipment and received instruction on assembly of the UAV parts.

“The U.S. instructors are giving everything they can to train us and we are thankful for their efforts,” said Jamiyankhuu. “We are learning the many capabilities of the American forces that they are sharing with us. The MAF participants are enjoying learning how to work with the UAV and interacting with the American service members. We are learning a lot from each other on many levels, including tactical and cultural ones.”

The class ended with a review session of the concepts and structure of the UAV and the students climbed down from the rooftop to continue classroom instruction.

“We deeply appreciate the cooperation of the U.S. Armed Forces,” said Jamiyankhuu. “This year’s Khaan Quest has been very beneficial for us because this is the biggest event happening in this area due to the many multinational participants. We want to thank the U.S. Army for their cooperation with us and we look forward to continuing peacekeeping efforts together in the future.”

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