U.S. Army Sgt. Jerry D. White (left), Royal Thai Master Sgt. Satit Sitparsert (center) and U.S. Army Spc. James M. Lupo hold their fighting stance during hand-to-hand combat training as part of Exercise Cobra Gold '97 in Tak, Thailand, on May 15, 1997. Cobra Gold '97 is the latest in a continuing series of U.S. /Thai military exercises designed to ensure regional peace and strengthen the ability of the Royal Thai Armed Forces to defend Thailand. The training will include joint combined air, land and sea operations. Cobra Gold is the largest strategic mobility exercise involving the U.S. Pacific Command forces this year. White and Lupo are attached to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry. Sitparsert is attached to the Thai 3rd Regiment, 17th Infantry.