US, Filipino troops in wrap up war games

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 20): US, Filipino troops in wrap up war games

Army troops of the Philippines and the United States (US) conducted close quarters and urban battle training in Nueva Ecija, with the American soldiers taking lessons from their Filipino counterparts’ experience in the fight against insurgency.

 

The exercise conducted in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija was part of Operation Lupao, held July 9 to August 8.

 

“US soldiers from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment “Cacti,” 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, received a unique opportunity to enhance interoperability with the Philippine Army by executing a “platoon-to-platoon” exchange,” said a statement released by the US Embassy.

 

Aside from close quarters and urban battle training, troops from the Philippines’ 3rd Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division and the “Cacti” soldiers also held bilateral medical skills training, company-size attack exercises and cultural exchanges.

 

“The Philippine Army has been facing an insurgency for a long time now, so we have a lot we can learn from them as far as counter-insurgency and how to operate in the jungle,” said Capt. Andrew Garwitz, Bravo Company commander.

 

“The best way we can do it is by working side-by-side with them,” he added.

 

Garwitz said the U.S. Army has a lot more in common with the Philippine Army than first meets the eye, pointing out that the twi “share similar doctrine and tactics and they have a welcoming culture that lends itself well with working with another army.”

 

Although this is the first time the Army has been involved in Operation Lupao, the U.S. and the Philippines have a rich history as allies. Both countries participated in Exercise Balikatan, which just completed its 32nd year, and a testament to the strength of this ongoing partnership.

 

“There is a brotherhood and a closeness with our Filipino counterparts,” said Sgt. Joseph Forrosuelo, a Bravo Company team leader.

 

“We work together flawlessly,” added Forrosuela.

 

The exercise provided an important environment for both sides to teach, learn and grow.

http://www.mb.com.ph/us-filipino-troops-in-wrap-up-war-games/