1FAB conducts howitzer, disaster response operations squad challenge .

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 4): 1FAB conducts howitzer, disaster response operations squad challenge .

The 1st Field Artillery Battalion (1FAB), Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) conducted the Howitzer and Disaster Response Operation (DRO) Squad Challenge on September 25-October 2 with this year’s theme: “Artilero: Kabalikat sa larangan ng bayanihan tungo sa kapayapaan, kaunlaran at tunay na pagbabago.”

LtCol. Archie A. Ares, executive officer of 1FAB said the week-long event aimed to highlight the 1FAB’s 30th founding anniversary on October 14 and aligned with the AAR’s thrust in strengthening squad’s combat capabilities and readiness, teamwork, physical stamina, and mental capabilities,  as well as in disaster rescue and relief operations.

Ares said the event tested the collective efforts and stability of the participating squads as they endure different tests that encompassed both their combat and disaster risk reduction (DRR) operations capabilities.

The event was participated by five (5) squads from AAR’s field units, namely: Alpha battery in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Bravo battery 1FAB in Pinan, Zamboanga del Norte, Bravo battery 3FAB in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, Charlie company in Marawi City, and Headquarter’s battery in Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. 

The squads, Ares said, competed in the following events: land navigation, map reading, firearms assembly and disassembly, combat swimming, life saving, platoon run, knot tying, signal communications, and squad attack, among others.

Ares said the competition further aimed to strengthen the capabilities of the squads as the basic fighting unit of the AAR and to make them ready and competent in the performance of their duty serving the people and securing the land.

The winners will receive trophies and certificates during the anniversary celebration on Oct. 14 with Col. Eddie Asis, the army regiment commander as guest of honor and speaker.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371475569366/1fab-conducts-howitzer-disaster-response-operations-squad-challenge