Oklahoma and Guam National Guard troops sharpen combat skills

KOTA BELUD, Malaysia — Oklahoma and Guam National Guardsmen trained alongside Malaysian forces July 19 in a force-on-force exercise using the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System, or MILES, as part of Keris Strike 2026.

The event near Kota Belud brought the units together for a realistic, scenario-driven exercise meant to mirror the complexity of combat while strengthening multinational readiness and interoperability. Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers served as the opposing force, challenging Guam National Guard Soldiers across multiple tactical scenarios.

“This portion of Keris Strike is a culminating training exercise that puts units into a scenario-based environment around 24-hour operations and a force-on-force exercise at the company and battalion level,” said Lt. Col. David Babcock, commander of 1st Battalion, 196th Infantry Regiment and officer in charge of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center Exportable exercise. “It allows our U.S. forces to partner with the Malaysians, go through a planning process and execute a mission with a live and adaptable opposing force that pressures our leaders to make tough decisions.”

Unlike traditional training, MILES equips Soldiers and weapon systems with laser-based instrumentation to simulate battlefield engagements and accurately assess casualties, creating conditions that require troops to identify, engage and react to simulated enemy fire while leaders make real-time decisions.

“It adds a level of professionalism to the exercise and a higher level of reality,” Babcock said. “Someone actually has to level the weapon, pull the trigger and have that laser impact the target … This situation replicates combat where the enemy gets a vote, and our blue forces have to react continuously to changes in the environment.”

Operating in dense Malaysian jungle terrain, Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers refined combat fundamentals and adaptability in unfamiliar conditions while working alongside allied and partner forces. Organizers said the experience will carry beyond the event itself, offering lessons to strengthen both U.S. and Malaysian formations.

“This experience that they’ll take back is invaluable,” Babcock said. “It increases institutional knowledge and provides a force that is informed, well-trained and experienced in these types of environments should the time come that we need them.”