The US Montana National Guard and the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) have launched the fifth edition of the joint military exercise, "Black Marlin."

The ceremony was inaugurated by MNDF Marine Corps Commander Brigadier General Abdullah Zuhry. US Ambassador to the Maldives Hugo Yon and Montana National Guard Adjutant General Major General Peter Hronek also attended the ceremony.

The exercises will continue from today until May 27.

"This edition will include five SMEE (Subject Matter Expert Exchange) programs. These include intelligence, logistics, medical, EOD, and infantry-related SMEE," the MNDF said.

Established in 1636, the Army National Guard is the oldest component of the US Armed Forces and serves as the primary combat reserve of the US Army. The control of each state's national guards rests with the state government and the federal government.

The National Guard must support the federal government in times of war declared by the President, Secretary of Defense or Congress. They must also go into service when the state governor declares an emergency.

Most of the active members of the National Guards are civilian employees. The reserve force currently has 443,543 troops. Montana has more than 4,000 troops.