Leading Edge 13

CPL. FENTON REESE/U.S. MARINE CORPS

In January 2013, more than 450 representatives from Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and 24 other nations gathered in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) for Leading Edge 13, an interagency counterproliferation exercise designed to bolster joint military coordination and cooperation.

Co-hosted by the U.A.E. and U.S., the 2013 event was attended by law-enforcement, customs, military and other international partners. Although this year’s scenarios concentrated on maritime examples, future drills will feature aerial and ground transport systems. Previous Leading Edge exercises were held in 2006 and 2010.

The exercise series is part of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), a global effort to stop weapons of mass destruction (WMD) trafficking and nuclear arms proliferation. Endorsed by more than 100 countries around the world, PSI promotes a cooperative interagency approach to interdiction. The initiative has spawned more than 40 exercises and associated workshops since its inception in 2003.

“PSI is a goal of like-minded, peace-loving countries around the world,” said U.A.E. Brig. Gen. Yahya Khadim Buamim, U.A.E. Leading Edge 13 director. “It is innovative and effective.” He called Leading Edge “an important tool in the success of PSI. This exercise is another brick in building peace.”

Buamim added that attending nations were also able to strengthen friendships and partnerships. “We have gained much from this exercise. The No. 1 benefit is having the opportunity to share experiences and strategy with all our partner nations,” said Qatari Col. Ibrahim Mohammad al-Marzooqi. “Seeing and doing the demonstrations will make any real situation easy. This exercise has also allowed us to build stronger relationships for further efforts.”

The exercise consisted of two main portions: a series of field-training exercises and a tabletop exercise for operational and executive leadership. Field exercises provided hands-on experience in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives interdiction; maritime visit, board, search-and-seizure operations; vehicle checkpoint quick-reaction drills; explosive ordnance disposal; and highly complex air WMD interdiction coordination and processes among international authorities. The tabletop exercise broke delegates into working groups to share concerns and discuss PSI improvements. Leading Edge 13 concluded with a demonstration of WMD interdiction capabilities.

U.A.E. Armed Forces Chief of Operations Maj. Gen. Saif Musabbah Abdullah al-Musafri attended the exercise’s final activities with a number of other senior international partners and stakeholder agencies. Musafri explained that the exercise had met its objective: promoting understanding and coordination between participants by upgrading their ability to detect and intercept WMD.

Other participants shared their impressions of the experience as well. “This biennial exercise has brought many countries together for the common goal of PSI. And, through the combined and continued efforts of these countries to promote and expand PSI capabilities, the world will continue to move one step closer to the overall goal of peace,” noted Jordanian Col. Mekhled al-Suheim.

“To be a part of this exercise and be in this environment with 29 other nations, sharing knowledge and information for the greater good, is a good opportunity. Many countries in the past have been incapable to implement interdiction effectively, and I think exercises like these are a great way to help build those skills. There should be more, and maybe some additional courses; PSI is a benefit for all who seek peace,” he said.

Information from Emirates News Agency-WAM and U.S. Central Command were added to this report.