Bilateral training exercises useful in reducing 'fog of war'

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 2): Bilateral training exercises useful in reducing 'fog of war'

Bilateral military training, like the one being conducted in the ongoing 32nd Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX 16), will greatly reduce confusion or the so-called "fog of war" in the battlefield.

This was emphasized by Major Gen. Alexander Balutan, Naval Director General, during the opening ceremonies of PHIBLEX 16 at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Naval Station Bonifacio, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Thursday.

"Similarly, lessons learned and best practices that are found useful should be properly recorded that may improve existing dogma or strategy for inclusion in future exercises. This, I believe, is the most practical and effective way to reduce the fog of war in a battlefield while increasing our Marines' war fighting capability and survival," he added.

Balutan stressed that the primary purpose of the exercise is to improve interoperatibility and combat readiness of both Philippine and US marine forces while strengthening the fibers of cooperation in the region.

PHIBLEX 16 started on Oct. 1 and will end on the 9th.

Around 860 US Marines and 748 of their Filipino counterparts are now taking part in the annual military maneuvers.

"The end state of the exercise can be achieved through the conduct of field training exercise, command post exercise, humanitarian civic assistance and strategic communication all aimed at testing and enhancing new doctrines," he pointed out.

Balutan added that the fulfillment of PHIBLEX 16's mission lies primarily on professionalism and discipline.

"The challenges towards the accomplishment of our mission are heavy. Teamwork assures coordinated efforts. A unified effort creates a stronger force in the execution of our mandate," he stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=810650