The Philippine Army (PA) troops successfully executed the Javelin Anti-Tank Weapon System live fire exercise with the United States (US) Army and US Marines forces as part of the introductory activities of the Balikatan 38-23 at Range 2, Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on April 13, 2023.
The US Army, US Marines, and PA troops fired five missiles which are facilitated by the Anti-Tank trainers during the simulation of the combat scenario, a part of the 38th iteration of Balikatan. The PA soldiers applied the skills they learned through lectures and simulation exercises, especially during the Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) of the recently-concluded Salaknib 2023 Phase 1. The Army troops showed their tactical skills, accuracy, and confidence in using the Javelin weapon which could be one of the integral armaments of the PA’s future arsenal.
Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., together with United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) Commanding General Gen. Charles A. Flynn witnessed the live-fire drill who both applauded the smooth execution of the PH-US forces on the Javelin Anti-Tank Weapon System.
”By sustaining the build-up and expansion of our areas of collaboration, we can achieve our shared goal of maintaining peace and security in the region,” Lt. Gen. Brawner said in his remarks after the live-fire exercise. The Army Chief also highlighted that the exercise allowed the PH troops to deal with the real-time experience and to observe how the weapon works and reacts in the environment, particularly in an actual warfare setting.
”What you see here with Balikatan and Salaknib is an expression of us trying to commit to enabling and assisting the Philippine military on being able to protect their national sovereignty and protect the territorial integrity of the Philippines,” Gen. Flynn meanwhile said in an interview with the media after the live-fire exercise.
Photos by: Pfc Rodgen Quirante OACPA