In addition, the Americans were impressed with the Belizean soldiers' physical conditioning and minimal need for water. The U.S. troops each carried 11 quarts of water and each drank an average of nine quarts over two days. Belizeans packed four quarts and drank an average of two. Both armies concluded that because the BDF soldiers' required so much less water, their rucksacks were substantially lighter, which enabled them to move faster and quieter, as well as stay fresher, during the exercise. "I've been most impressed with the BDF's tenacity," said Sgt. Timothy McCoy of Co. B. "I'm really glad they're an ally and not an opponent, because they're in great physical condition and they know the area very well. They've earned my respect."

   With an army of about 900, the Belize Defense Force requires its soldiers to qualify as jungle experts and be capable of surviving off the land for extended periods. "The BDF soldier considers the jungle his home," said BDF Sgt. Mark Arnold. "If it comes to war with someone invading our turf, that's where it will be fought and won."

   After the exercise, the troops spent two days at the BDF's 2nd Bn. headquarters at Fairweather Camp. During their stay, U.S. and Belizean troops painted a hospital in the town of Punta Gorda and held a unit T-shirt swapping ceremony. From Fairweather Camp, the soldiers traded the rugged, triple-canopy jungle for the rolling hills and biting winds of Mountain Pine Ridge. While there, each army conducted separate live-fire exercises. "There's a common bond among the soldiers because of the training," said Sgt. Sean Dohr of Co. B. "The Belizeans see their job as a challenge every day -- just like us."

   Many U.S. soldiers said they were inspired by the Belizeans' display of teamwork and cooperation. The phrase "shoulder to shoulder" is a cornerstone of the BDF foundation. Whether it's in a foxhole, on patrol or in formation, the BDF believes its strength is rooted in the unity of its troops. Exchanging tactics, techniques and technology also allowed the soldiers to gain a better understanding and appreciation of how each country's army operates. "Because we're training with what's considered to be the world's military power, I worked with some really sophisticated equipment: radios, weaponry and helicopters," said Pvt. William Pandy, a BDF signaler.

   Some participants felt that an exercise like this can be the highlight of a soldier's career. "This is what soldiers joined the Army to do," Moore said. "These soldiers are probably undergoing the most rigorous training they've ever experienced, and learning more than ever." The consensus among U.S. and Belizean soldiers was that the results derived from the combined training experience offered long-lasting benefits for both sides. They believe the jungle warfare skills and knowledge exchanged can be incorporated into each army's training regimen. "I'm positively sure that what we're learning from the American troops will work for us because they've successfully applied these drills in combat situations," said BDF SSgt. Betram Noralez. "By combining the tactics we've learned from the British and Americans, we're going to be a small but deadly force." To reciprocate its host nation's hospitality, USARSO invited a platoon of Belize Defense Force infantrymen to accompany Co. B on its return to Panama. There the Belizeans spent three weeks enduring the rigors of USARSO's Jungle Operations Training Battalion.