US on helping allies build military capabilities: they must do it as well

From Ang Malaya (Jan 16): US on helping allies build military capabilities: they must do it as well

During a United States military event at Marine Corps Air Station in Miramar, California held January 13, US Department of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel speaks about US military’s change of focus from Afghanistan to Asia Pacific.

According to US Department of Defense’s news article, the Secretary said the transition becomes “more and more a critical component of our own strategic interests as we continue to help our allies build their capabilities.”

However, Hagel said “we can’t take on all of the challenges by ourselves – they must do it as well.”

In 2014, US allocated USD50 million through Foreign Military Financing to help upgrade equipment onboard Philippine Navy ships, improve AFP Command and Control systems, provide advanced technical training, and strengthen institutions responsible for the maintenance and sustainment of the AFP’s growing inventory, as reported by US Embassy in Manila. Part of the fund was used to shoulder approximately forty percent of the procurement value of two C-130.

First horizon of Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization is currently underway, while defense officials are planning on second horizon.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/01/16/7407-us-on-helping-allies-build-military-capabilities-they-must-do-it-as-well