PH, US Pacific Armies Strengthen Mutual Cooperation

The Philippine Army (PA) and the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) continues to forge its bilateral cooperation during the 8th Executive Steering Group Meeting held here, January 29.

Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay and USARPAC Deputy Commanding General Maj. Gen. John Johnson together with the other delegates discussed how the two armies will strengthen their defense capabilities through future engagements.

“Everything we do here should support the mutual defense training and demonstrate the commitment that we have for each other. We learn together, we become more capable and we build trust,” said Johnson during the session.

Gapay reiterated PA’s desire to boost its aviation, air defense, airborne, combat engineer, fires, sustainment operations, and cyber security capabilities as well as its combined arms training methods and doctrine. On the other hand, Johnson mentioned their gains particularly in expanding USARPAC’s operational experience in an archipelagic environment such as the Philippines.

Moreover, interoperability functions and training gaps learned from previous exercises such as the Salaknib were further discussed.

“We have come prepared and determined to plan out the next actions that will further
strengthen our alliance. I am confident that we are moving in the right direction towards ensuring that the alliance remains strong, dynamic and relevant,” addressed Gapay. (Philippine Army)