PHL, US forces prepares for 'BALIKATAN 2014'

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): PHL, US forces prepares for 'BALIKATAN 2014'

In preparation for the Philippines–United States (PH-US) Exercise BALIKATAN 2014, a Final Site Survey (FSS) and Final Planning Conference (FPC) between the Philippine Army and United States Army personnel will be conducted at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija and at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City on Dec. 2 to 6 and Dec. 9 to 13, respectively.

The Philippine Army Forces Field Training Exercise (FTX) Final Site Survey (FSS) Team headed by Colonel Glorivine R. Dida and the US Army Forces FTX FSS Team led by Major Anthony Williams of the 25th Infantry Division, US Army Pacific, are currently surveying and inspecting the Special Operations Command’s (SOCOM) training areas and facilities where the actual military bilateral exercise may be held in 2014.

Meanwhile, 42 Philippine Army personnel will also participate in the Final Planning Conference.

The conduct of these preparatory activities aims to finalize the exercise dates, venue, exercise concept, logistical requirements and other details necessary for the successful conduct of PH-US Exercise BALIKATAN 2014.

The PH-US BALIKATAN is an annual training activity aimed at enhancing interoperability of both the Philippine and United States forces.

Previous exercises focused on war fighting and territorial defense capability enhancement and interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US forces.

This year, apart from the traditional military exercises, Filipino and American soldiers also trained for humanitarian disaster response.

The soldiers also engaged in community development projects such as the construction of school buildings and community centers.

Humanitarian assistance to include medical and dental missions were also carried out which benefited the residents of several communities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=593170