The Philippine Army showcased its territorial defense capabilities during the Combined Arms Training Exercise (CATEX) Katihan's Battle Period 2 that commenced at Col. Ernesto Rabina Air Base (CERAB) in Capas, Tarlac on March 15, 2024.
Battle Period Phase 2's highlight include the 502nd Combined Arms Brigade's live fire exercise utilizing the Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System (ATMOS) 155mm self-propelled guns. Moreover, the Armor Division employed the 120mm Mounted Mortar System (MMS) and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) during the said exercise.
CATEX “Katihan” effectively tests the Army’s capability to move, maneuver, and sustain large-scale forces during combat operations. As the Philippine Army evolves its unit trainings in order to address the fast-changing security environment, it is paramount to conduct the CATEX. The design of the various unit trainings involving different warfighting functions will be integrated in order to exercise combined arms operations as the highest form of unit training involving maneuver, maneuver support, maneuver service support and reserve units.
The exercise, which is anchored on PA Implementing Plan “Maragtas,” will wrap up on March 18, 2024 through an After Activity Review that will be held at the Training and Doctrine Command's headquarters in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac.
Photos by Pvt Divino S Lozano, OACPA