Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Jul 28, 2023): LOOK | AFP and US forces strengthen strategic partnership with year-round training activities
WESCOM, Palawan – In a remarkable testament to their strong strategic partnership, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its US counterparts have been actively engaging in continuous training activities throughout the year. This collaboration is particularly evident in AFP Western Command (WESCOM), where joint training exercises with US forces are conducted on an ongoing basis.Most recently, they successfully concluded the Gas-Oil Platform Takedown and Recovery (GOPLAT-TR) Training 2023 at the Headquarters Joint Task Force Malampaya in El Nido, Palawan.
Prior to the GOPLAT-TR, one standout training exercise that also took place in WESCOM’s joint operational area was the US Army Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) Piston 2023. This exercise focused on enhancing unconventional warfare capabilities for direct action and territorial defense.
The Philippine Army’s 18th Special Forces Company (18th SFC) based in Rizal, Palawan, and its US counterparts underwent intensive training to acquire specialized skills necessary for effectively addressing unconventional threats.
]Another significant training event was the Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 2023, which emphasized aviation-supported operations for joint and combined forces in countering external threats.
The exercise aimed to enhance coordination between the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and its US Marine Corps (USMC) counterparts while utilizing aviation capabilities.
Looking ahead, there are still several upcoming training events that will further strengthen the AFP’s capabilities alongside its US and international allies.
Exercise ALON is scheduled from August 14 to September 22 – a bilateral exercise between the PMC, US troops, and the Australian Defense Force (ADF) aimed at enhancing interoperability while rehearsing territorial defense strategies and island maneuver operations.
SEACAT 2023 is set for August – a multilateral exercise designed to foster cooperation among participants by addressing crises, contingencies, and illegal activities within maritime domains.
In September, Tempest Wind 2023 will take place – a crisis action mission rehearsal between the AFP’s Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and US SOCPAC – focusing on inter-agency crisis planning at a national level.
KAMANDAG 07-2023 is scheduled for October between the PMC and USMC.
Lastly, Lantern Piston will provide an avenue for joint training and capacity-building exercises that aim to enhance the strategic partnership between the AFP, the US, and other allied forces.
These training activities highlight the commitment of both the Philippines and the US to work together in addressing challenges in establishing a rules-based order. By sharing expertise, building capacity, and conducting continuous joint exercises throughout WESCOM’s joint operational area, this strategic partnership seeks to promote stability, peace, and adherence to international law.
Through these collaborative efforts with the US and other international allies, the AFP’s capabilities are being strengthened – a significant step towards establishing a rules-based order while fostering stronger partnerships among nations committed to regional security.
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