U.S., PHL armed forces hold combined airborne operation

MANILA — Soldiers from the U.S. 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are conducting a bilateral airborne operation from September 19 to 25.

This type of combined, tactical-level training builds both forces’ technical competence, fosters interoperability, and provides a greater understanding of how the allied nations’ forces conduct operations.

“Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army Alaska are conducting a bilateral airborne operation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.  The U.S. Army is committed to working closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to grow our airborne capabilities.  We appreciate the opportunity to train here and the hospitality shown by our partnered forces has been incredible,” said Brig. Gen. Gregory T. Day, Army National Guard Deputy Commanding General for U.S. Army Alaska.

Exercises like this one form a critical part of the AFP’s brigade modernization effort and also allows the U.S. Army to practice their strategic agility in quickly responding to a wide range of events and disasters.

“This training will enhance our troops’ technical expertise in airborne operations, enabling our combat units to better respond to future contingency operations and other security challenges.  Likewise, the combat interoperability with our U.S. counterparts will also be strengthened,” said Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, the Philippine Army Commanding General.

For more than 70 years, the U.S. and Philippine forces have renewed our friendship, partnership and alliance through bilateral military exchanges and exercises.