Okinawa Marine’s Deployment to Philippines Yields Unexpected Realizations

A commentary by Cpl. Heather Golden in the May 8 edition of the Okinawa Marine newspaper highlights an important aspect of U.S. Pacific Command’s military exercise program.

As a result of her participation in exercise Balikatan in April, Cpl. Golden bonded with a Filipino child and made other friends, as well. Her commentary shares her insights on the experience, learning that “people are the same wherever you go.”

Strategic aims such as maintaining a robust military capability, deterring military aggression, developing cooperative security arrangements, and expanding relationships with allies and partners are pillars of the Pacific Command (PACOM) strategy. At the end of the day, though, individual Marines like Cpl. Golden and her fellow service members are the faces and personalities of this strategy, and execute it at the tactical level, daily during exercises and other military-to-military engagements throughout the PACOM area of responsibility.

Partnership, readiness, and presence covers a wide spectrum, with the benefits of such reaching all the way down to the individual service member.

Cpl. Golden’s commentary can also be viewed on the Digital Video & Imagery Distribution System website.

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U.S., Filipino Teams Provide Medical Assistance

In the spirit of partnership, U.S. and Republic of the Philippines service members are working hand-in-hand throughout the island country to provide medical assistance to those in need.

An article from the Philippine Information Agency highlights the efforts of the nearly 40 U.S. and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) medical personnel who are scheduled to complete approximately 50 medical civic action projects (MEDCAPs) throughout Exercise Balikatan, which began April 16 and is scheduled to conclude April 30.

The benefits of the MEDCAPs are multi-faceted. Most visibly, sick and injured people who aren’t normally able to receive treatment have an opportunity to get assistance. These engagements also emphasize the enduring relationship between the U.S. and Philippines while providing an opportunity for the two to further strengthen ties.

Another important benefit of MEDCAPs is a better understanding of the armed forces by the people of the Philippines. MEDCAPs allow the service members to provide a presence in areas where they may not normally be seen. This presence, combined with the medical treatment they are providing, lets people know the military is there to help.

Partnership and presence are two pillars of the U.S. Pacific Command strategy. US forces forward and engaged with our partners such as with Exercise Balikatan provide increased opportunity to assist those in need while enhancing security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

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Exercise Balikatan Kicks Off in Republic of the Philippines

Approximately 8,000 U.S. and Republic of the Philippines service members kicked off Exercise Balikatan in Quezon City, Philippines, April 16. (Read the full story)

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the exercise that focuses on bilateral disaster relief and humanitarian assistance between the two countries.

During the exercise, units from throughout U.S. Pacific Command, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel, and subject-matter experts from various Philippine civil defense agencies will participate in three simultaneous events, supporting a more efficient effort during possible contingency operations.

The first event consist of multiple humanitarian and civic assistance engagements focused on providing medical, dental, veterinary, and engineering assistance. The second event is a scenario-based staff exercise to practice headquarters-level joint force management. The last event involves cross-training and field training exercises to support the “shoulder-to-shoulder” philosophy of Balikatan.

U.S. military engineers have been working with their AFP counterparts for the past several weeks as part of Balikatan, partnering in road construction projects, providing upgrades to water systems, and building additions at several schools.

Each of the exercise events enable the participating service members to get to know each other, train together, and provide assistance in communities where the need is greatest. They also improve the ability of the U.S. and Philippines to operate as one team on joint projects.

The strong relationship that exists between the U.S. military and AFP is built on cooperation and collaboration, and is continually strengthened through exchange programs, training and military exercises like Balikatan.

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Engineering Projects Provide Lead-in to Balikatan Exercise in Philippines

A number of construction projects that will benefit local communities and enhance the skills of military engineers as part of exercise Balikatan are set to begin in early April in the Philippines. Balikatan officially kicks off Apr. 16.

As noted by the Philippine Information Agency, the projects include road construction, upgrades to water systems, and additions at several schools.

U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps engineers will work alongside their Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) counterparts to complete the projects. Partnering in this way not only provides assistance to these communities, but allows the engineers to learn from one another and improve their ability to work together as a team.

Balikatan will emphasize training and activities that ensure disaster relief efforts are more responsive, efficient and effective. Included in this professional development are numerous medical outreach projects that will have medical professionals from both nations assisting local communities.

Balikatan is U.S. Pacific Command’s premier bilateral military exercise with the AFP. The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the United States have a long relationship and history of working together. This partnership includes a 57-year mutual defense treaty.

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