Who's going:
Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, as well as enablers from several other units.
When and why: September for Keris Strike and various mil-to-mil engagements and cultural exercises as part of the Army's regionally-aligned forces concept. As long as Pathways rotations continue to take place, expect additional opportunities to spend time in Malaysia. This will be the second time Keris Strike is included in a Pathways rotation.
About the area: A former British colony, Malaysia was occupied by Japan during World War II. The country gained its independence from Britain in 1957. The first several years of Malaysia's independence were marred by a community insurgency, Indonesian confrontation with Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's withdrawal, according to the CIA World Factbook. During Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad's 22-year tenure, Malaysia was able to diversify and grow its economy.
The Malaysian peninsula borders Thailand, while East Malaysia makes up the northern one-third of the island of Borneo. The country is tropical, with hot and humid weather throughout the year.
Activities: The distinctive Petronas Twin Towers in the capital of Kuala Lumpur used to be the world's tallest buildings. Taman Negara is the country's premier national park, covering almost 1,700 square miles and spanning three states. Batu Caves is a limestone outcrop and the site of a Hindu temple and shrine, attracting thousands of worshippers and tourists each year. It features a large statue of the Hindu God at the top of a steep 272-step climb, according to Malaysia's tourism website. Mount Kinabalu is the tallest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea, according to a website dedicated to the mountain. It stands at 13,435 feet and features granite peaks. The local KadasanDusun people believe the mountain is the sacred resting ground of the spirits of their ancestors.
Watch out for: Petty theft, including purse snatching, pickpockets and credit card fraud, according to the State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security. Purse snatching is the most common. Typically, one or two men on a motorcycle will approach a target from behind and snatch the purse, handbag or cell phone.
Bring back some: Batik, a local textile art that can be put on clothing, scarves and other materials. A keris is an asymmetrical dagger with distinctive blade-patterning and a wavy blade. A wau is a traditional Malaysian kite. The kebaya is the traditional Malay dress.
Michelle Tan is the editor of Army Times and Air Force Times. She has covered the military for Military Times since 2005, and has embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Haiti, Gabon and the Horn of Africa.
