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Close Window Cambodia Interoperability Program (CIP) was established by the U.S. and Cambodian Governments to improve relationships and build bonds between the U.S. Military and Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) through humanitarian missions and bi-lateral training.
Cambodia Interoperability Program (CIP) was established by the U.S. and Cambodian Governments to improve relationships and build bonds between the U.S. Military and Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) through humanitarian missions and bi-lateral training.

Support Squadron Marines Arrive in Cambodia for Cambodia Interoperability Program

Kampong Speu Province
August 8, 2009

Leaders from the Engineer Operations Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing met with leaders of the Takeo Provincial Gendarmerie Police for a friendly dinner on August 8th.  The dinner provided a chance for the newly arrived Marines and local Police, who are providing security during the detachment’s stay here in Cambodia, to celebrate their collaboration in the Cambodia Interoperability Program (CIP), currently underway in Kampong Speu Province.  The Program was established by the U.S. and Cambodian Governments to improve relationships and build bonds between the U.S. Military and Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) through humanitarian missions and bi-lateral training.  The detachment of 46 Marines and Sailors, working in conjunction with the RCAF 31st Engineer Brigade, are here for the Engineer Civic Assistance Project (ENCAP) refurbishing two health clinics.  One, Veal Ang Popel Health Clinic, which was previously closed down due to disrepair, and the other, Pechmony Health Clinic, is an expansion and refurbishment project located in the farmlands of Kampong Speu Province.  According to 1st Lt. Ashley B. Christman, the Marine Commander in charge of the projects, “The United States Marines and Sailors will work together with Soldiers from the Royal Cambodia Armed Forces during the construction of both health clinics. Our overall goal is to build relationships between the two forces while sharing valuable bi-lateral engineering skills training.”  The Cambodia Interoperability Program (CIP) is expected to last almost four weeks, with work slated to be completed by August 27th, 2009.