PH, US armies boost interoperability in Hawaii war games

FILE: U.S. Army Observer, Controller-Trainer (OC-T) team member checks the combat simulator gear worn by a Filipino soldier during the month-long Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) Exercise at Oahu’s East Range in Hawaii. (Photo: Pvt Adriel M Paglinawan PA/OACPA via Philippine Army/Facebook)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) said its inaugural participation in the United States Army’s Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) exercise bolstered its interoperability with its American counterparts.

It further beefed up the strong partnership between the two militaries, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Friday.

This year’s JPMRC took place from October 20 to November 16.

“The JPMRC exercise saw the participation of PA troops in domain training challenges in conditions that accurately mimic operational challenges that they may face in a crisis or conflict,” Trinidad said.

The JPMRC is the United States Army Pacific’s regional combat training center for units and leaders in the complex operating environment of the Pacific Theater.

The PA deployed a 103-strong contingent to Hawaii for this event.

“The 91st Brigade Reconnaissance Company of the PA’s 1st Brigade Combat Team trained with the US Army’s 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade Maneuver Assistance Team, as well as cavalry and infantry elements of the 25th Infantry Division at Oahu’s East Range, South Range, and Kahuku Training Area,” he added.

Trinidad said the PA also sent a team of doctrine writers and researchers to capture the operational aspect and best practices employed during the JPMRC exercise.

“The lessons learned and insights gained during the course of the training exercise will serve as the basis for the crafting of doctrines related to the establishment of the Combat Readiness Training Center in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija,” he added.

Aside from PA personnel, this year’s JPMRC included soldiers from Thailand and Indonesia, as well as observers from seven other nations.

They trained side by side with about 6,000 troops from the US Army’s 25th Infantry Division and 8,400 service members from the US joint components.