US-PH Balikatan Exercise 22 set on March 28-April 8

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

MANILA, Philippines— Approximately 8,900 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. military team up for Balikatan 2022, the largest-ever iteration of the Philippine-led annual exercise taking place across Luzon from March 28 to April 8. 

“Balikatan is a critical opportunity to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our Philippine allies toward a ‘free and open Indo-Pacific that is more connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient,’ as our Indo-Pacific Strategy calls for.  The U.S. is proud to continue our participation in this long-standing exercise,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava.

For 12 days the 3,800 AFP members and 5,100 U.S. military personnel will train shoulder-to-shoulder focusing on maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

A command post exercise that tests the AFP and U.S. forces’ ability to plan, command, and communicate with each other in a simulated environment is included in the training to bolster the collective security and defensive capabilities of the alliance.

According to Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, 3rd Marine Division Commanding General that during Balikatan, the U.S. military and AFP train together to expand and advance shared tactics, techniques, and procedures that strengthen response capabilities and readiness for real-world challenges. 

Bargeron said that Balikatan 22 coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation and a shared commitment to promoting peace.  The countries’ alliance remains a key source of strength and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, AFP Exercise Director for Balikatan 22 bared that exercise Balikatan is a testament to the strength of the Philippines and United States’ security relationship and the experience gained in the exercise complements security cooperation endeavors and will help to enhance existing mutual security efforts.

Both forces will also conduct multiple humanitarian and civic assistance projects during this year’s Balikatan, including the renovation of four elementary schools, multiple community health engagements, and the exchange of advanced emergency rescue and lifesaving techniques.

These construction projects, health engagements and community relations events improve local infrastructure, facilitate the exchange of lifesaving medical skills, and strengthen ties between Philippine communities and PH-U.S. military forces.

Exercises like Balikatan strengthen international partnerships and the participating militaries’ abilities to rapidly respond to crises throughout the Indo-Pacific region.  Bargeron said the United States is proud to participate in this Philippine-led exercise to improve both nations’ capabilities across a wide range of military operations. (Photos: DVIDS Images)