Adept and agile Philippine and US Armies: Honing multinational readiness and interoperability

Philippine Army troops board the Chinook helicopter during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija this June 1-9, 2024.

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army and the US Army troops come together to become fully-skilled and well-adept land force during the most immersive and realistic training activities of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable (JPMRC–X) at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, and Laur, Nueva Ecija this June 1-9, 2024.

JPMRC is an initiative of the United States Department of the Army which provides training opportunities for U.S. Army troops and like-minded partner nations across the Indo-Pacific. It also allows commanders to upskill all troops in unique environments where they will be deployed during an event of crisis. It consists of triad environments such as arctic, jungle, and archipelago revolving on three exercises - Hawaii-based training (HI), Alaska-based training (AK), and an exportable (X) capability.

Troops of the 28th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army lie in prone position while engaging the enemies during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable in Laur, Nueva Ecija this June 1-9, 2024.

This year marks the first deployment of JPMRC to the Philippines in an exportable capability. JPMRC-X leverages joint operations and enhances land power capacity between the Philippine Army and the US Army that would establish Combat Readiness Training Area (CRTA) locations in the country.

JPMRC-X or the JPMRC-PH 01-2024 involves real-time exercises where observer, coach, trainers (OC/Ts) and subject matter experts (SME) provide immediate feedback after training sessions in various war-fighting functions: mission command, movement and maneuver, intelligence, fires, sustainment, and protection.

Pivot to territorial defense posture

Transcending the complex environment of intercontinental defense offered a daunting and challenging collaborative military drills - more specifically when confronted in fast decision-making of commanders and leaders in a crisis.

Troops of the 5th Field Artillery Battalion, Philippine Army prepare the 105mm Howitzer during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable in Laur, Nueva Ecija this June 1-9, 2024.

Although each and every force differs in culture, language, geographical distance, and values, Philippine Army troops carry this determination to learn and familiarize themselves in technological upgrade, performing mission effectively, and implementing crucial decisions that are very significant in shifting to territorial defense operations.

Significant changes arise in developing the Philippines’ military system but not only towards weapons, armaments, and systems but also in trainings and experiences with alliance forces. Grounded from political and strategic conditions, territorial defense doctrine performs a vast role in the ability to defend its borders against all threats that destroy the peace and security of the country.

Specialized skills training for synergy

Beyond the traditional and standard military tactics, the Philippine Army troops joined various exercises and actively participated in coaching with specialized US Army units. This visionary approach ensures the eagerness and preparedness of both troops in fighting the enemies. Responding to the hybridity of physical and cyber-attacks, this multifaceted alliance strengthens the physical domain, safeguards digital assets of the force, and swiftly defends opponents in combat.

US Army troops together with the Philippine Army's 5th Field Artillery Battalion conduct fire mission during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable in Laur, Nueva Ecija this June 1-9, 2024.

With the US Army’s full-throated support, the Philippine Army combat engineers and specialized forces were trained in building a a Line of Communication Bridge (LOCB) and Drop Zone Bridge, conducted port clearance, and participated in Heavy Demolition Range, Tactical Movement Class, Hoist Training, Air Assault, Test Missions, and real-world scenarios to “disrupt and attack adversaries as well as defend the territory”.

Vice Commander, Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Leodevic B. Guinid conducts a leadership visit during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija this June 1-9, 2024.

Acknowledging the ally of Philippine Army despite shifting tides, Vice Commander, Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Leodevic B. Guinid highlighted the importance of “collaboration”. “I firmly believe that these collaborative efforts foster a deeper understanding of each other’s capabilities, cultivate personal relationships, and build a foundation of trust that is essential in times of need.”

The US Army has a long-standing alliance with the Philippine Army and it continues to support and assist warfighters who would help in anticipating formidable tasks and defying the global challenges between nations. Through the established cooperation with the US, the Philippine Army troops make a quintessential progress in carrying out coordinated missions in catastrophes. As the Philippine Army ascends to advanced interoperability, it also enormously contributes to its counterpart through proven advantage on archipelagic position and extensive and hands-on experiences on local communists and terrorists’ groups.

Dominant land forces

Philippine Army's and US Army's High Command Group gather in the Command and Control Center during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija this June 1-9, 2024.

JPMRC-X is expected to culminate on June 10, 2024 incorporating the Reverse Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and. Integration (RSOI). This process involves returning to home stations and ensures all processes are streamlined and efficient by proper documentation and any medical, administrative issues are resolved.

Philippine Army ushers into an innovative era of developing new techniques, analyzing tactics, designing frameworks, and evaluating training programs with partner nations to provide world-class, multi-mission ready, and cross-domain capable Army troops of the 21st century.

Troop of the US Army's 25th Infantry Division focuses on his target during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Exportable in Laur, Nueva Ecija this June 1-9, 2024.

“Our primary objective today is to jumpstart our momentum to achieve our shared vision as well as to operationalize the engagement plan between our armies. The range of our bilateral engagements has become more collaborative and expansive as a result of the growing commitment over time, despite a number of challenges. As such, we come together today even more determined to work together because that is the most optimal way we can navigate the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead,” Army Vice Chief Maj. Gen. Guinid said.

#Photo credits to the rightful owners from Training and Doctrine Command, Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Army Artillery Regiment, and Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs

By Pvt Alpha Bierneza June 7, 2024