Strengthening Coalitions: Reserve Command, Philippine Army, and United States Army Reserve Collaborate in Subject Matter Expert-Exchange
The Reserve Command, Philippine Army (RCPA), hosted its first-ever Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SME-E) with the United States Army Reserve (USAR) on April 2, 2024, at Headquarters, RCPA, Camp Riego de Dios, Tanza, Cavite. Delegates from the USAR, headed by Colonel Christopher A. Nagelvoort, Brigade Commander of the 3rd Mobilization Support Group, 9th Mission Support Command, USAR, were welcomed by the officers and enlisted personnel of RCPA, led by Major General Romulo A. Manuel Jr. PA, Commander of RCPA.
The SME-E commenced with a Mobilization Working Group Exchange Workshop, during which both parties discussed the structure of the Army Reserve Force, policies, mobilization, and leveraging of civilian skills, knowledge, and experience. The SME-E is part of the SALAKNIB 2024 exercises, serving as a platform for Subject Matter Experts from RCPA and the USAR to exchange insights, strategies, and best practices in various reserve force development and mobilization.
"This activity solidifies our commitment to working together toward common goals of peace, security, and stability by strengthening our Reserve Force as an integral component of the Regular Force," Maj. Gen. Manuel Jr. said.
"Your presence today reflects the enduring bond between our nations, as we recall the Philippines and the United States alliance since 1951, making the Philippines the oldest ally of the US in the Indo-Pacific Region," he added.
The Commander RCPA extends heartfelt gratitude to counterparts from the United States Army Reserve for engaging in this significant endeavor, exchanging expertise, knowledge, and best practices to better develop and administer the Reserve Forces.