AFP tests firepower in sea-air-land exercise
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assessed its combined arms firepower in a live fire exercise during the continuation of the AFP Joint Exercise "Dagat-langit-lupa" (AJEX DAGITPA) in Burgos, Ilocos Norte on Wednesday, Nov. 15.
AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. witnessed the exercise that demonstrated the capability of the military's major services to conduct joint territorial defense operations and highlighted the "seamless integration of different military units and platforms."
The exercise featured newly acquired artilleries of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) such as the Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System (ATMOS) and Soltam M-71 howitzer working in tandem with the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) Agusta Westland AW109 attack helicopter and A-29B Super Tucano light attack aircraft.
"AJEX is an exercise where the three components of the Armed Forces of the Philippines exercise together in order for us to practice operating together," Brawner said in an interview in Ilocos Norte.
AJEX DAGITPA is an exercise involving personnel of the Army, Navy, and Air Force which aims to fortify the major services' territorial defense posture, sharpen their external security capabilities, and respond to emerging threats with unparalleled precision.
More than 1,500 active and reserve personnel from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Special Operations Command, and Cyber Group are participating in the exercise which runs from Nov. 6 to 17.
In Palawan, Filipino Marines also took part in a training together with their counterparts from the United States Marine Corps, Japan Ground Self Defense Force, and observers from the United Kingdom as part of the "Kaagapay ng mga Mandirigma mula sa Dagat” (KAMANDAG) Exercise.
"This [KAMANDAG] is not only an exercise between the United States and the Philippines but we also have other countries who are joining us as observers. Hopefully next year if our RAA [Reciprocal Access Agreement] with the Government of Japan is signed, we could have more Japanese soldiers joining us," Brawner said.
The exercise focused on subject matter expert exchanges (SMEES) on explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), mortar familiarization, PMC Martial Arts Program (PMCMAP), tactical combat casualty care, and basic photography.
The EOD SMEE equipped participants with advanced techniques in safely and efficiently detecting, neutralizing, and disposing explosive devices. Experts from different countries shared their experiences and expertise in EOD operations, including bomb disposal procedures, improvised explosive devices (IEDS) recognition, and post-blast investigation techniques.
Meanwhile, the mortar familiarization SMEE enhanced the participants' understanding and proficiency in mortar systems. Through practical demonstrations and interactive sessions, attendees gained insights in mortar operations, aiming and firing techniques, ammunition types, and range estimation. The activity emphasized the importance of accuracy, safety, and effective teamwork in mortar employment.
The PMCMAP is the official martial arts of the Marine corps. Instructors shared their knowledge and skills in close-quarters combat, edged weapons techniques, and empty-hand combat. Participants learned the principles of PMCMAP and its relevance to modern combat situations, emphasizing speed, precision, and adaptability.