BALIKATANShoulder to Shoulder 2011

Elementary school students perform for guests and teachers on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony during a joint Philippine Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP) at Pedro L. Quines Elementary School, Tarlac Province, Republic of the Philippines.

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Alejandro Peña

Contents

Balikatan 2011: Shoulder to Shoulder is produced for the 2011 Balikatan military exercise and is an authorized publication for all interested parties; military, diplomatic and civilian. Contents of Balikatan 2011: Shoulder to Shoulder are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the Republic of the Philippines or the U. S. government. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Balikatan Combined-Joint Information Bureau. All stories and photos are the combined efforts between Philippine and U.S. services.

EDITORIAL STAFF

Balikatan 2011: Shoulder to Shoulder - March/April 2011

OPENING CEREMONYService members from the Republic of the Philippines and the U.S. military participated in the Exercise Balikatan 2011 Opening Ceremony at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Philippines.

2 4 6CPX / PLANNINGU.S. Military and Armed Forces of the Philippines service members simulate setting up a command post in the event of an actual emergency or disaster.

CIVIL MILITARY OPSService members from the U.S. and Philippine militaries joined forces to provide medical, dental, construction and veterinary services to residents of Tarlac province.

SNAPSHOTSA photo-overview of several events that the U.S. and Armed Forces of the Philippines service members participated in and the beautiful sights they saw.

12SURVIVAL LANEService members from both nations learned some of the basics to jungle survival, beginning with a walkthrough of different traps they could use in the field to catch various wildlife for sustenance.

RELEASE THE DOGSA joint team of six U.S. Military personnel are currently working with more than 30 members of the Philippine military working dog (MWD) sections consisting of their Army, Marines and Air Force.

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20 22 24GUN RANGE TRAININGMore than forty U.S. Marines met with members of the Philippine Air Force to review the use of the M-203 Grenade Launcher and the Mossberg 500 Shotgun.

TECHNOLOGY TRACKService members receive training in basic camera operation and graphic design while a U.S. Army unit became the first in the Pacific to use wireless technology during an exercise.

HAND-TO-HAND COMBATU.S. Army and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel participate in hand-to-hand combat training at Fort Magsaysay.

U.S. Army Col. Michael DonnellyChief Public Affairs OfficerU.S. Army Maj. Tage RainsfordDeputy Public Affairs OfficerU.S. Army Maj. Angela HalvorsonMedia Relations OfficerU.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Nick PapadakisMedia Relations OfficerU.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Derrick CrawfordSenior Enlisted Advisor

U.S. Army Maj. Shea AsisU.S. Army Master Sgt. James SailerU.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Cohen YoungU.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Carlos LazoU.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kevin BellU.S. Navy MC1 Robert ClowneyU.S. Navy MC2 Brian DietrickU.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Abigail BrownU.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Alejandro PeñaU.S. Army Pvt. Ryan Scott

MAGAZINE STAFF

U.S. Army Capt. Jennifer Scruggs (right), veterinarian, Western Pacific District Veterinary Command, and Philippine Army Maj. Galahad Trabado, veterinarian and commanding officer of Armed Forces of the Philippines Canine Unit, examine a dog.

ON THE FRONT COVER

BALIKATANShoulder to Shoulder 2011

OpeningCeremonyCAMP EMILIO FAGUINALDO,

Philippines – Service members from the Republic of the Philippines and

the U.S. military participated in the Exercise Balikatan 2011 Opening Ceremony on April 5 at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Philippines. This is the 27th exercise in the Balikatan series and serves as opportunity for bilateral training that is vital to maintaining readiness capabilities for both the U.S. and the Philippine armed forces. “The Balikatan Exercise helps maintain the readiness and interoperability of the United States military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Lt. Gen. Francis Wiercinski, the U.S. Balikatan 2011 Director. “These formations will have Filipino and American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines standing together at Balikatan.” The exercise usually has at least

more than six thousand U.S. participants, but due to the tragedy that occurred in Japan as a result of an earthquake and tsunami, the U.S. had to pull back on some of it’s participation in this year’s Balikatan. “We are engaged in Japan in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, but due to our flexibility, capability and commitment, we are able to be here to conduct the Balikatan Exercise,” added Wiercinski. “This combined training will enable service members from our two nations to develop mutual respect and trust while enhancing mission capabilities.” The U.S. armed forces were still able to participate in some facet of the exercise even after sending support in relief efforts to Japan. “If a multiple disaster was to happen in two different places, both armed forces would be able to react and still continue with other operations we have planned together,

said Rear Adm. Victor Emmanuel Carr Martir, the Philippine Balikatan 2011 Director. “This is an example of why we conduct exercises like this one.” Balikatan will be held from April 5-15 in various places in the Philippines. Events included in the exercise will consist of cross training in interoperability field exercises, explosive ordnance disposal, a command post exercise and multiple medical, dental, veterinary and engineering action projects.

Story and Photos byU.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Cohen Young

A member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Band performs his melody on his trombone prior to the start of the Balikatan 2011 Opening Ceremony.

U.S. Balikatan 2011 Directors U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Francis Wiercinski and Philippine Navy Rear Adm. Victor Emmanuel Carr Martir answer questions from local Philippine media during the Balikatan Opening Ceremony at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Philippines.

OPENING CEREMONY

U.S. Balikatan 2011 Directors U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Francis Wiercinski and Philippine Navy Rear Adm. Victor Emmanuel Carr Martir answer questions from local Philippine media during the Balikatan Opening Ceremony at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Philippines.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Eason (right) and U.S. Army Sgt. Marco A. Villanueva (left) standby as members of a joint and multinational color guard during the start of the Balikatan 2011 Opening Ceremony.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Francis Wiercinski, the U.S. Balikatan 2011 Director makes a few remarks during the Balikatan 2011 Opening Ceremony.

Rear Adm. Victor Emmanuel Carr Martir, the Philippine Balikatan 2011 Director speaks to the gathered guest at the Balikatan Opening Ceremony.

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COMMAND POST EXERCISEStory by U.S. Army Master Sgt. James Sailer

Balikatan 2011 is a big step forward in combined training and support to full-spectrum

operations and major combat operations between the military forces of the United States and the Republic of the Philippines. For the first time in the 27-year history of Balikatan, the Philippine and American military conducted a Command Post Exercise (CPX) shoulder to shoulder; leveraging the skills and knowledge of both countries’ professionals to successfully train. “This is the first time that the U.S. and Philippine military have done a combined operation, where both countries military were sitting side by side in a command post,” said Col. Chelsea Chae, U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), Contingency Command Post (CCP) Chief. “This exercise shows that USARPAC can deploy and integrate command and control capability over strategic distances with partner nations,” Chae added. Lt. Col. John Wimberly, logistics operations officer with

the USARPAC CCP explained that the new training alignment allowed them to exercise their computer systems, working groups, review board, and other information exchange. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) brought a really diverse team with them such as medical, logistics, and they also have their own finance people, which is great. We all have counterparts to work with.” “Throughout the exercise we will combine all our reports to show the overall logistics picture and also be able to break it down to show what each of us is bringing to the event,” Wimberly said. “The only way we can do this is to have our counterparts with us, feeding us that information; what they need and what they can do for us. It is a give and take exercise.” Wimberly’s counterpart, Lt. Col. Florante Sisow, a logistics operations officer with Army Support Command, Armed Forces Philippines was encouraged by the combined training. “The processes are similar but the communications is a little different for us so we are learning that part.” The two teams used the new training

environment to learn and grow and the participants also met some new challenges. “The CCP works throughout the PACOM area of operations and wherever we go we deal with other nations,” Col. James Hess, Chief of the Operational Sustainment Directorate, USARPAC said. “It is very important for us to be able to work closely and effectively with other nations and their armies; that is a core competency that we have to have.” The CPX planning started with the initial planning conference early last year. The combined joint exercise brought two different armies together forming one staff. “That brings staff together to perform the staff functions regardless of what country they are from,” Hess said.”This is also the first time we have had three-star involvement as well as multiple general officers. We have a full-scale operational headquarters at this exercise.” During a daily CPX rehearsal briefing, Lt. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski commanding general of US Army Pacific complimented his staff on their fine work. “I know we had a few technical hiccups, but this was the best rehearsal briefing I have ever seen. Keep up the good work.”

Sgt. 1st Class Fetineiai Valai, U.S. Army Pacific, strength management Non-Commisioned Officer in Charge, speaks with her counterpart Petty Officer 3 Roger Paguirigan, a Philippine Navy Personnel NCO, before a pre-exercise class at the Aquino Center Tarlac, Philippines, April 4 2011. They participated in a Combined Joint Command Post Exercise (CPX) at nearby Camp Aquino.

AFP Army Lt. Col. Florante Sisow (right) and U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Wimberly, both logistics officers for Balikatan 2011, monitor a briefing during the CPX.

Photo by U.S. Army Master Sgt. James Sailer

Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Bell

Not known to the public is that the yearly conducted Balikatan Exercise undergoes a yearlong tedious planning before its actual

execution which gives the Armed Forces of the Philippines(AFP) and the U.S. Armed Forces a unique perspective in terms of planning for training bilaterally and an experience of honing skills for future meetings for bilateral exercises. As early as on the month of May last year, planners of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Armed Forces met in Hawaii, U.S.A. for a Concept Development Conference. With the concept in place, another five-day meeting was set this time in Manila on the 12th of July 2010, for the Training Objectives Workshop and Scenario Development Workshop where both countries tackled the training events that should be conducted based on the training needs of both countries. Along with this planning stage, the formulation of the Joint Manning Document containing the list of personnel who are to join the exercise was also undertaken where we saw a number of participants from both countries struggling to meet their respective deadlines for the conference. On the start of the last quarter of 2010, Field Training Exercises sites were identified to take place on various locations in Luzon. Similarly, the Staff and Command Post exercise was known to take place in Camp Aquino, Tarlac; and the humanitarian/civic assistance (HA/CA) events was identified to take place in the provinces of Tarlac and Zambales. AFP and U.S. planners visited various locations in Central Luzon in coordination with local officials, in an effort to determine the ideal sites for the CMO projects. Numerous factors were taken into account in the identification of project sites including logistics, security, community need, and unit capabilities. Of the 21 barangays (villages) nominated, five barangays satisfied all the parameters set by the combined AFP

and US teams. With all being set, another Planning Conference was scheduled on September 20-24, 2010 in Manila involving hundreds of combined Philippine and U.S. service members organized to finalize all the events that are scheduled to happen for the scheduled for this year’s 11-day bilateral training exercises. The series of planning conferences ended with a five-day Final Planning Conference in November of 2010 in Manila in which the armed forces of each country agreed to conduct combined exercises to ensure interoperability and rapid response to a crisis if the need arises where in general terms, the exercise is composed of four events namely Staff Exercise/Command Post Exercise, Field Training Exercise, Explosive Ordnance Exercise Training and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations training. All of which are designed to train Philippine and U.S. air, ground, and naval forces to improve interoperability, and provide training and assistance in humanitarian/civic assistance activities.With all of the series of conferences and meetings last year, both countries now has a functioning parallel joint task forces exercise support groups of the AFP and the U.S. comprised of combined Army, Air Force and Navy Forces ready to conduct the Bilateral Exercise to enhance interoperability in order to advance the capability of both nations to conduct joint and combined operations in operational and tactical levels. The government of the Republic of the Philippines and the U.S. have a robust and active military-to-military partnership which includes numerous on-going activities, such as U.S. assistance to Philippine Defense Reform (PDR); counter-terrorism training; annual exercises; civil military operations; senior official visits; international military education and training programs; security assistance including logistics, engineering, equipment, and maintenance; and advice, assist and support to the AFP. We expect this cooperation to continue in the years to come.

OVERVIEW

Story by Armed Forces of the Philippines Major Enrico Gil IletoYEAR-LONG BILATERAL PLANNING

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TARLAC, Philippines--Service members from the U.S. and Philippine militaries joined forces this week to provide medical, dental, construction and veterinary

services to residents of Tarlac province during Balikatan 2011. “We’re here not only to better [the local community’s] standard of living, but also to increase operability with the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said U.S. Army Col. Elizabeth Damonte, civil affairs deputy commander, Combined Joint Civil Military Operations Joint Task Force (CJCMOTF). “We are here to learn from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and to provide any necessary assistance.” “I’ve learned so much from our Philippine partners,” said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Kareshia McGriff, an equipment operator with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133, who was working alongside members of the Philippine Navy to install indoor plumbing at a school in barangay Lubigan. “They find ways to make tough tasks easier,” she said. “It saves a lot of time.”

Balikatan is a Tagalog word meaning “shoulder to shoulder.” At Tariji Elementary School in barangay Tariji, more than 30 U.S. and Philippine military medical personnel worked feverishly to provide medical treatment to nearly 2,000 patients. “We are literally shoulder-to-shoulder in these classrooms to provide medical care to these people,” said Master Sgt. Raymon Collett from the 396 Combat Support Hospital in Vancouver, Wa. “If we didn’t work together, this would have been a very chaotic task,” said U.S. Army Spc. Arianne Undan, a civil affairs specialist with the 322 Civil Affairs Brigade out of Fort Schafter, Hawaii. Undan was born not far from the school and moved to the U.S. as a child. “It’s an amazing feeling to know that I am helping the people of my native country as an American soldier,” she said. Overwhelming gratitude was expressed by many of the local residents at the school. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most

Story and photos by U.S. Army Pvt. Ryan Scott

providinghumanitarianaid

CIVIL MILITARY OPERATIONS

of these people,” said Tariji Elementary School’s principal, Lucia R. Domingo. “Having these [service members] here is God’s gift,” she said. “They have helped so many people.” People weren’t the only ones receiving treatment here, however. A few kilometers down the road, in barangay Salapungan, U.S. and Philippine veterinarians were treating animals large and small at a rural farm. “62 of the 76 villages [here] are agricultural, so having veterinary assistance is very helpful,” said Dr. Noel Solimen, a local veterinarian working with the joint military team. By bringing the veterinary services into the countryside, more people are granted access to have their animals treated. “Most of the people here are farmers and would never have access to a veterinarian because they have no way of transporting their animals to the city,” said Probationary 2nd Lt. Mardi Caniban, a veterinary officer with the Philippine Armed Forces. “It really helps the community when we

educate them about how to care for their animals.” Treatment of livestock was not the only mission for the military veterinarians. They brought their expertise to the more urban area of barangay Aguso to provide de-worming and rabies vaccinations to household pets. “We hope to provide at least a marginal improvement in the quality of life for these animals,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Barclay, an animal care specialist with the Western Pacific District Veterinary Command.“The treatments are also important to the human population to help prevent the spread of disease.” The medical, dental, veterinary and construction projects will continue throughout the Balikatan 2011 exercise, which is scheduled to end April 15. The U.S. military participates in these humanitarian exercises to help the Philippine military bridge the gap between the citizens of the Philippines and their government, said Damonte. “We are here for all of the right reasons,” she said.

U.S. Air Force Cpt. Todd Dean, of the 932nd Medical Squadron and Armed Forces Philippines 2nd Lt. Rafael T. Respicio, of the Camp Aquino Station Hospital perform a checkup on an infant at the Tariji Elementary School.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Byron Hogan, with the 3rd Marine Detachment, Communications Company, scans the wristband on a young girl to determine which prescription to provide to her father.

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ZAMBALES PROVINCE, Philippines -- Soldiers from the United States and Republic of the Philippines are teaming up to add new classrooms

to five elementary schools in Zambales Province during the exercise. “Balikatan is to share ideas and learn from each other,” said 2nd Lt. Arthur Gabasa, an officer assigned to the 355th Aviation Wing of the Philippine Air Force and the officer in charge at the Pundakit worksite. “The way we accomplish that here is working hard together, which strengthens our relationship.” Servicemembers from both countries have been put into teams at each construction site so they can see how each operate, said Spc. Dean McLaughlin, a carpentry and masonry engineer assigned to 2nd Platoon, 643rd Engineer Company, 84th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade. “We had no problems coming together with the (AFP) engineers and it’s been fantastic to learn some of

their ways to build with different tools than we use,” said McLaughlin. As the projects have proceeded, the U.S. Soldiers are not the only ones experiencing new things. “We have been able to learn some different techniques to construct stucco and masonry,” said Gabasa. He also described the efforts of both militaries to engage the local communities. “We have been having friendship basketball games with the community so we can become closer to the people.” It is not just the servicemembers who have noticed the cohesion that has been built between the two countries. “The militaries have a good relationship,” said Sebastian. “Their integration on this project has been excellent and they are very compatible.” For the U.S. Soldiers, it’s also an opportunity to learn about another culture. “We are so thankful to the local government for allowing us to be part of the community and work

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CIVIL MILITARY OPERATIONS

alongside the (AFP),” said McLaughlin. As both school and military officials pushed a ceremonial shovel into the dirt to mark the beginning of the construction at Angel C. Manglicmot Memorial School, March 11, students, families and servicemembers watched and interacted with each other. Local families offered fresh fruit. Children smiled as Filipino and American Soldiers handed out basketballs. Handshakes and waves were exchanged between locals and soldiers, each thanking the other for their hospitality, McLaughlin said. “This is an amazing opportunity that not many people will get a chance to experience,” he said. The project at Taposo Elementary School offers a cross-training experience between the two militaries that will enhance future construction projects. “We haven’t done a lot of construction with concrete, so this is a great opportunity for us to learn the techniques of the Philippine Army,” said 1st. Lt Brandy

Kinstle, 3rd Platoon Leader, 643rd Engineer Company, 84th Engineer Battalion, 130th Engineer Brigade, which is based out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. While the Filipino service members show their U.S. counterparts how they use concrete in their construction, they will also receive instruction on how to use the U.S. equipment, said Kinstle. “We will be learning how to use the tools the U.S. Soldiers brought with them since it will make the project easier,” said 1st Lt. Reynald Monredondo, a Filipino officer assigned to the 54th Engineer Brigade and the officer in charge of the Taposo site. Service members from both countries quickly bonded as they prepped the site for the beginning of construction. Echoing the sentiment of the phrase “Balikatan,” Pvt. Juncky Hidalgo, an infantryman assigned to the Philippine Army’s 24th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division said, “We will build a good friendship while building together.”

Engineering

Civic Action Project

(ENCAP)Story by U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Abigail Brown

Photo by U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Alejandro Peña

CANDELARIA, Philippines - Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines from both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. participated in a medical

and dental civic action program (MEDCAP) at Babancal Elementary School in Zambales province March 24 and 25. The medical personnel from both countries were aided by volunteers from local hospitals, medical care organizations and police departments. The goal of these exercises is to maintain military readiness through training and relationship-building between the two countries as well as assist local communities through social initiatives. Military medical personnel including doctors, nurses, and medics from both countries are using this

exercise to enhance their medical skills while operating in a field environment and learn techniques from each other. This experience will help improve the military readiness of both countries while providing much needed services to local communities. “We select the sites by meeting with local government officials with our counterparts and supporting their efforts where needs are greatest,” said Lt. Col. Greta Bennett, MEDCAP officer in charge, who is assigned to United States Army Pacific. The team will gain training while supporting local officials. “We support the local government very much by offering the local people health care,” said Army Lt. Col. Gregory L. Docil, commanding officer of the 24th Infantry

MEDCAPMedical Civic Action Program

Story by U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Abigail BrownPhoto by U.S. Navy MC1 Robert Clowney

CIVIL MILITARY OPERATIONS

Battalion of the AFP, who added that, for many, health care is often not readily available. The mission of the teams was to provide quality medical service while gaining interoperability and real-world experience. “Our teams will gain from working with each other by gaining experience that can’t be gotten in a class room,” said Bennett. Not only were participants able to learn, they were able to give back to the community. “I want to be able to help patients and take care of them,” said Julie Elico, a nurse in Santa Cruz who is volunteering at this MEDCAP. “This gives us an opportunity to work on good communication so we can be confident in each other and our work together.”

The MEDCAP at Babancal Elementary School served more than 1,000 patients from the local community during the two-day engagement. “This kind of activity provides an avenue for the AFP and U.S. to secure a good working relationship while helping the people,” said AFP 2nd Lt. Almamae Maquido, a civil military operations officer assigned to the 24th Infantry Battalion. “There is no doubt that this is effective since it is not only the Philippine forces, but also the U.S. partnership in Balikatan.” The AFP and U.S. military conducted a total of six medical engagements during March and April.

MEDCAPStory by U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Abigail BrownPhoto by U.S. Navy MC1 Robert Clowney

U.S. Army Capt. James Ham, emergency physician, 130th Engineer Brigade, Hawaii, gets a patient to “open wide” at a medical civic assistance project held at the Pundakit Elementary School as part of Balikatan 2011.

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U.S. Soldiers and Airmen exchange K-9 training techniques with their Philippine military counterparts while at Clark Field, Philippines

Filipino Special Forces instructor, Staff Sgt. Romeo

A. Soriano, moves enflamed timber to a pre-built

fire pit during jungle survival training

U.S. Air Force Maj. Bruce W. Callahan examines

a pediatric patient at San Miguel Elementary

School, Zambales Province, Philippines

The Honorable Antonio A. Ablog (left), captain,

Barangay San Miguel, and U.S. Army Sgt. 1st

Class Geeno B. Gular discuss the distribution of

posters promoting civic action programs.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Bruce W. Callahan examines

a pediatric patient at San Miguel Elementary

School, Zambales Province, Philippines

A young girls holds her dog while she waits in line at a veterinary civic action project held in San Antonio, Zambalez, Philippines.

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SNAPSHOTS

Lt. Gen. Francis Wiercinski and Philippine

Director Rear Adm. Victor Emmanuel Carr

Martir watch the Balikatan flag unroll.

U.S. Marines train members of the Armed Forces

of the Philippines in the use of the 203 Grenade

Launcher and the Mossberg 500 Shotgun.Filipino Special Forces instructor, Staff Sgt. Romeo

A. Soriano, moves enflamed timber to a pre-built

fire pit during jungle survival training

A young girls holds her dog while she waits in line at a veterinary civic action project held in San Antonio, Zambalez, Philippines.

U.S. Army Capt. James Ham examines a

pediatric patient at San Miguel Elementary

School

MANILA, Philippines – “Invest in our children” is a universal adage that

people around the world live by, and a group of U.S. Army Pacific Soldiers supporting Balikitan showed it is more than just words. Soldiers from the 45th Sustainment Brigade and 10th Area Support Group, 8th Theater Sustainment Command participated in a humanitarian mission March 30 to help children at a local orphanage here. For U.S. Army Chaplain (Capt.) Josh Llano, of the 45th SB, missionary work is a passion and he was not going to pass up the moment. “I love working and helping children. It’s a wonderful experience to do it here and to get other Soldiers involved,” said Llano. “Seeing the Soldiers smile is what makes my day.” The volunteer work took place at Gentle Hands Orphanage, which is run by Charity Graff. She provides medical care, helps teenagers who are

on drugs, nurses infants from birth and helps place them with a healthy foster family. As Solders walked into the orphanage, they were overwhelmed by the number of children who wanted to show them what games they were playing or how they simply wanted someone to sit next to them. “It totally got my attention, and it got at my heart – the kids and babies,” said U.S. Army Maj. Jason Migliore, exercise movement control officer. “I was really amazed with the work that Charity is doing with everything.” As the Soldiers made their way to the third floor of the orphanage, they stopped in the nursery where nannies where taking care of newborns. They held some of the infants and provided that loving touch to children who normally only interact with their caretakers. “Seeing a newborn who was only 3 weeks old, with no mother or father, in his bouncer, who otherwise has no chance in life, is extremely

sad,” said U.S. Army Spc. Corey Hart, of 10th Area Support Group (pictured). “But I’m glad to see him here in the orphanage, because I know he will be a successful person thanks to Charity’s work.” Later, Soldiers visited a local slum where most of the children in the orphanage used to live. The overwhelming smell of rotting trash encompassed the shanty town, where the effects of diseases like tuberculosis, which are not normally seen in Untied States, make their mark here. Nonetheless, area children come out and greet Soldiers with warm smiles. After a quick tour of the village, they ended up at the local basketball court where the children and Soldiers bonded during a quick pick-up game. As the group of Soldiers departed, everyone waved goodbye. What remained was the glimmer of hope Gentle Hands Orphanage provides and the impact the Soldiers made on the children that day.

Story and photo by U.S. Army Maj. Shea A. Asis

Investingin theKids

CIVIL MILITARY OPERATIONS

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SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALEZ, Philippines -- Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, United States military, Philippine Department of

Agriculture and local volunteers worked together during a veterinary civic action project (VETCAP) in San Antonio, March 28-29. The purpose of the VETCAP was to allow the Filipino and American service members to increase partnership and interoperability. The exercise improves military readiness and provides social services that benefit the local populace. During the VETCAP, free veterinary care was provided, which not only improved the health of the local animals, but also assisted the local residents who depend on their livestock for their livelihood. Care was divided between small animals treated with rabies shots, flea medicine and dewormer, and large animals treated with dewormer and vitamins. “We want to make the Philippines rabies-free by 2020 and this will help us get closer to that,” said AFP Maj. Galahad Trabado, commanding officer, canine unit, General Headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo. “Balikatan is a good time for us to team up and go to remote areas.” The VETCAP sites were selected by the local governments and the AFP, he added. “It’s important for us to get the combined experience while we increase rabies resistance,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Barclay, animal care specialist,

Western Pacific District Veterinary Command. T h e combined experience will improve military readiness for both AFP and U.S. military in the event of a natural disaster. “In case of a disaster our main concern, as veterinary personnel, would be disease control and this helps reduce the risk of disease outbreak,” Barclay said. While working together, participants were able to exchange knowledge and strengthen bonds. “I was lucky to be selected to participate in this exercise,” Trabado said. “It’s important for us to be able to advance the AFP and U.S. partnership.” Members of the community were pleased with the United States accepting the invitation from the Philippine government to participate in BK 11. “I speak for the entire barangay (local town) when I say we are pleased with U.S. forces being here,” Veronica Mendoza, head administrator, barangay San Miguel officials’ office. “We encourage further exercises.” BK 11 is the 27th in a series of combined, joint efforts between the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines of both the Philippines and United States. The term “Balikatan,” which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Tagalog, the official language of the Philippines, symbolizes the partnership between the two countries as they work together toward a common goal.

VETCAP

VeterinaryCivicActionProject

Story and photo by U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Abigail Brown

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines – Everyone wanted a taste. As the makeshift cup made its way down the line – continuously removed from the previous hand by the

next excited participant – it wasn’t long before all the liquid was consumed. The blood had run out. Drinking cobra blood it turns out is not only one way of surviving in the jungle, but quite popular. U.S. soldiers and Marines conducted jungle survival training Apr. 6 as part of Exercise Balikatan 2011 in the Philippines, an annual joint exercise between the armed forces of the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines. The survival training, led by Filipino Special Forces instructor Staff Sgt. Romeo A. Soriano, was conducted jointly with Filipino army and marine service members and held at the Filipino Special Forces School here. Service members from both nations learned some of the basics to jungle survival, beginning with a walkthrough of different traps they could use in the field to catch various wildlife for sustenance. From there, it was time for fire building using dry bamboo bark. After a short demonstration, soldiers and Marines were hard at work building multiple fires less than an hour into training.

“This is good hands-on training,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Andrew M. Gamble, 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Zachary Cook, Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division from Okinawa, Japan, agreed. “We started a fire from nothing,” said Cook. “They taught us the proper way to cut the bamboo… and turn it into a proper flame.” Once the fires were burning bright, the instructors provided the troops some vegetables to cook, including corn and sweet potatoes. This served as a light breakfast for the troops, since no one was allowed to bring any food for the training. But before they knew it, troops were hot on the trail of their main course. “Catch them,” said Soriano, as he pointed at a group of chickens. All at once, troops from both nations rushed at the chickens. Minutes later, with guidance from the instructors, troops were preparing to cook their first real meal of the day. The chickens were still cooking as the instructors demonstrated how to gut and prepare fish for cooking, and how to use a hollow bamboo stick to cook rice. Balikatan, which means “Shoulder to Shoulder” in Tagalog,

Story and photos by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Lazo

U.S. Army soldiers from the 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, and Marines from the 3rd Marine Division, cross a bridge during a four mile hike as part of jungle survival training at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 6. U.S. Marines and soldiers trained with Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel on survival skills, including catching and cooking wildlife, with their Filipino counterparts as part of Exercise Balikatan 2011.

FIELD TRAINING EXERCISEwas the mood with many of the service members during the training as they learned alongside their Filipino counterparts. “I loved it,” said Cook, “the things they taught us are very valuable. We’re learning a lot about jungle survival; the way to live off the land, and use the resources around you to survive the situation.” But the best was still to come for some of the other Marines. “I’m looking forward to the cobra,” said Lance Cpl. Michael D. Plantz, with the 3rd Marine Division. It wasn’t long before Soriano showed up with a small wooden box. No words, let alone a translation were needed when everyone laid eyes on the box. The hissing sound from inside quieted the troops with the efficiency of a hard-nosed Sergeant Major. Everyone watched as Soriano pulled out one of cobras from the wooden box and laid it on the ground. The four-foot-long serpent hissed angrily at him. Slowly, he approached the cobra from the side, then used a long wooden stick to pin the cobra’s head to the ground. He picked the serpent up by its head and asked for a volunteer to hold the snake. Almost immediately, there was a sea of raised hands. U.S. Army Sgt. Ronnie E. Allen, Delta Company, 302nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4-7th Cav., was one of the many to raise his hands. Soriano reminded him to focus on the task at hand because, “Once you relax and not respect it, the cobra will strike.” After learning how to properly hold it, Allen held the serpent as Soriano placed a small rope around its mouth. From there, instructor took the cobra and provided a demonstration on how to prepare it for consumption. Emphasizing the importance of not wasting anything when surviving in the wild, the instructor showed the troops how to drain the blood from the serpent, and allowed everyone to take a sip. For the next cobra, it was Allen’s turn to prepare the serpent for consumption. “I felt good,” said Allen, “It was another good experience I never thought I’d get to do.” As the cobra meat cooked, it was on to the next class. Soriano showed everyone edible plants found in the jungle, as well as what plants can help with healing wounds; removing ringworms; treating constipation; and lowering blood pressure. A demonstration on recognizing edible fruits and leaves was also included in the presentation. Once the short botany class was complete, it was time to dive into some barbeque cobra meat. The bony body texture did not warn off the hungry soldiers and Marines from the flavorful meat. It wasn’t long before every piece was gone. “We were excited about coming out here,” said Allen. “[Survival training] is an integral part of being a soldier. It’s a great course to be a part of.” Gamble emphasized the importance of leaders in the military learning survival skills like the ones he learned here. “As far as leading troops in the battlefield, you never know when you’ll end up in a situation where survival becomes

imperative. “I have a better understanding of what to do to survive, and I can take care of my soldiers. As a [non-commissioned officer], taking care of soldiers is what we do.” After the meal, the instructors led the troops on a four mile hike through the jungle, identifying edible vegetation and common dangers such as fire ants and poisonous plants along the way. During a small break in the hike, troops were able to re-hydrate by drinking water from tree vines and bamboo. Before their departure, Soriano had this to say to the troops. “I taught you about traps; catching a cobra; and cooking without utensils. So many different soldiers come to this school. I have been here for six years, this is my place. Come back anytime for more, you are always welcomed here.”

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Armed Forces of the Philppines Staff Sgt. Romeo A. Soriano pins a cobra’s head to the ground prior to showing U.S. soldiers and Marines how to properly prepare it for consumption.

CLARK FIELD, Philippines – U.S. Soldiers and Airmen exchanged K-9 training methods with the Armed Force of the Philippines during Exercise

Balikatan 2011 here on April 7. A joint team of six U.S. military personnel are currently working with more than 30 members of the Philippine Army, Marines and Air Force working dog teams. The U.S. team consists of three active duty Airmen from the 36th Security Forces Squadron, Andersen Air Base, Guam and three Guardsmen from the 928th Military Police, Connecticut Army National Guard. The main focus of this joint training is to reinforce obedience skills, combat tracking and some refresher aggressive tactics. “The dogs that the Philippine military members are using haven’t been through obedience training, while that is where we start our training before we do anything else,” said Sgt 1st Class Jimmie Smith, the 928th MP kennel master. “On the other hand, a few of us aren’t skilled in the combat tracking aspect of dog handling.” This is the first time that the Connecticut Army National Guard section has participated in an exercise like Balikatan, which will act as a preparation tool for their unit before deploying to Afghanistan. “This is the first time that the (Connecticut Army National Guard) has ever done something like this and especially so far from where we are located, so this is a wonderful opportunity to get out here and train,” said Smith, a resident of Newtown , Conn. Although this is the first time that the Guard K-9 units has been to an event like this, many of them have worked with other military working dog teams from their sister services before. All of the dog handlers in the various services of the U.S. military train at the same school together and frequently learn from one another. “Even though all of U.S. military train at the same

school, we come to events like this and learn more from each other in addition to what we learn from our foreign counterparts,” added Smith. The joint team has benefited from working with their Philippine counterparts greatly. “The Philippine military has been receptive to what we teach our dogs during obedience training, and I think they have benefited from the training,” said Tech. Sgt. Rodney Banes, a native of Soperton, Ga., and currently assigned to the 36th SFS at Andersen Air Base, Guam. “Our dogs are dual trained in detection and obedience, while their dogs are trained in detection only at this location.” This exercise builds on the joint force that currently occurs in many U.S. operations across the globe. “It’s always great working with the Army because there isn’t an adjustment at all, since we all attend the same school located at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas,” added Banes. The training was a good lesson for young members of the Philippine Air Force as they had not worked with U.S. forces before. “The training has been hard, but it is nice,” said 73rd Security Squadron, Philippine Air Force Airman 1st Class Emanuelle Leonardo. “I like working in a mixed exercise like this, because I learn some new techniques from the U.S. Army and Air Force. This basic obedience training will go far in my development as a dog handler. Balikatan means “shoulder to shoulder” in Tagalog and is an annual Republic of the Philippines and United States bilateral military humanitarian assistance and training exercise that will take place in the Philippines April 5-15. The training helps maintain readiness and sustain the long-term security assistance relationship shared between the two countries.

Release theDogsStory and Photos byU.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Cohen Young

FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE

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U.S. Marines assigned to Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan train members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the use of the 203 Grenade Launcher and the Mossberg 500 Shotgun while participating in Exercise Balikatan 2011.

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CLARK FIELD, Philippines – U.S. Marines from Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan

familiarized members of the Philippine Air Force with weapons in the U.S. arsenal on April 7 in support of Exercise Balikatan 2011. More than 40 U.S. Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan trained members of the Philippine Air Force on the use of the M-203 Grenade Launcher and the Moss Berg 500 Shotgun. “The training has gone well,” said 1st Lt. David M. Beehler, the officer in charge from CLB-4. “Our Philippine counterparts are very active in it, and it’s been a great opportunity build on the friendship between our two forces.” CLB-4 is always on alert and frequently travels to many exercises within the Pacific, but Balikatan offers more than a training event, because the two forces are shoulder-to-shoulder for majority of the training. “This training not only helps our training, but it helps our allies and

our friend’s training, so that we are all better prepared together when working with one another,” added Beehler, a native of Tuscon, Ariz. Many of the Phililppine Airmen had never used the M-203 or the Moss Berg Shotgun, so it was good for them to familiarize themselves with the weapon. “This is our first time to have this type of weapons training, and we are very thankful for the opportunity,” said 1st Lt. Jesse Glyn Garacruz, of the 770th Combat Support Squadron, 70th Special Operations Wing, Philippine Air Force. “In my five years of serving in the Philippine Air Force, we have not used this type of weapon because we’ve been training in crowd disbursal, which deals with shields and batons and not weapons like these,” added Garacruz. For many of the Philippine Airmen, this was a great opportunity to work with the U.S. Marines, which may not happen often. “For my experience, it has been great working with the U.S. Marines

because we’ve been able to pass information along to one another, and I look forward to attending Balikatan again in the coming years,” Garacruz said.For some of the Marines, this was an opportunity to unload and shoot a few rounds while others looked at the training as an opportunity to pass the knowledge on. “I’ve taught more than 150 classes to foreign forces,” Logistics Specialist Cpl. William McDougall, a native of Columbia, Ky. “I really like teaching people, and this is a great opportunity to foster or maintain relationships.” McDougall has been to 15 various exercises and deployments, but this is his first Balikatan experience. “I enjoy working with foreign services and the Philippine Airmen have been great because they ask a lot of questions, and I have questions as well,” McDougall said. “When we exchange information like that, we learn a lot from one another and that’s what this exercise is all about.”

FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE

TRAINING ON THE GUN RANGEStory and Photos by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Cohen Young

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COMBATHand-to-Hand

FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE

COMBATPhotos by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Lazo

CAMP GENERAL SERVILLANO A. AQUINO, Tarlac, Philippines - Service members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United

States military received training in basic camera operation and graphic design during Balikatan 2011. The 2011 Balikatan exercise is the 27th in a series of combined, joint efforts between the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines of both the Philippines and United States. The goal of these exercises is to maintain military readiness through training and relationship-building between the two countries. The term “Balikatan,” a Tagalog word that means “Shoulder to Shoulder,” symbolizes the partnership between the two countries as they work together toward a common goal. The day-long training in combat photography was hosted by the AFP’s Northern Luzon Command and was held at Camp Aquino in the Tarlac province. The class was conducted by members of U.S. Marine Combat Camera, Headquarters and Service Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Forces, Okinawa, Japan. The purpose of the training was to instruct service members of both nations on techniques involving combat photography and graphics. Subject matter experts highlighted areas of basic photography including working in different types of light, depth of field, and working with both fast speed and slow speed shutters in order to capture action while out on missions. The presenters also covered aspects of design and production. The training consisted of classroom instruction, along with “hands on” practical exercises. “The class is very interesting and I am learning a lot,” expressed AFP Army Staff Sgt. Renato U. Omo, of Camp Aquino. Training is being conducted in accordance with agreements made by the Philippine and United States Governments, particularly the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 and the Visiting Forces Agreement. Service members of both countries attended the class and worked together during the practical exercises so they could learn from each

Story and Photo by U.S. Navy MC1 Robert Clowney

other and improve their skills. Students were eager to learn and asked many questions during the training. In fact, the class was so well-received that both the students and the instructors wanted more time for the training. “I would like to have more training like this, I have learned a lot,” said AFP Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Lino M. Padilla of Naval Forces Northern Luzon, Poro Point, San Fernando. Training activities like the combat camera class enable service members of both countries to get to know each other, train together and exchange ideas. “I love photography and I like sharing the knowledge I have about the camera and its operation,” said instructor Lance Cpl. Alejandro Pena, a combat photographer assigned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force. “I wish we had more time to teach,” said Pena.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. James Anderson, combat videographer at Balikatan 2011, gives classroom instruction to Armed Forces of the Philippines members and U.S Army Soldiers in basic camera operations.

COMBAT CAMERA TRAINING

TECHNOLOGY TRACK

CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines -- A U.S. Army Pacific unit became the first in the Pacific to use wireless technology during an exercise.

The U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) Contingency Command Post (CCP) went wireless during its certification exercise or CERTEX at Clark Air Base, Philippines. The CCP conducted their CERTEX prior to a Command Post Exercise they participated in during Balikitan 2011, a bi-lateral exercise held annually in the Philippines between U.S. and Philippine forces. The CCP consists of 96 personnel who provide a forward command post capability to USARPAC, specifically focusing on small scale contingencies such as supporting humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and peace operations. “This is the first time the DoD approved connection to classified and unclassified networks wirelessly. This will greatly reduce the time it takes to set up our networks during contingency operations and will greatly reduce our footprint because we won’t need all of the cabling [CAT 5]”, said Maj William Macugay, CCP Communications and Information Network Officer and Deputy G-6. “We can cut 8-10 hours of cabling down to a lot less than half that using wireless,” Macugay added.

This means the CCP will be able to get information back to USARPAC leadership quicker, possibly resulting in Army forces in the Pacific getting help to those in need more quickly during contingencies and disasters. “We’re de-tethering, instead of being limited by the cabling, you are now mobile, so you can move around in the operating area seamlessly,” said Bart Robinson of Worldwide Technology, one of the several civilian contractors assisting the Army communications team at Clark. “Using off-the-shelf 802.11 wireless technology the team is feeding encrypted classified information over an unclassified network,” added Robinson. This may raise some eye brows, but Robinson says it’s secure. “We’re wrapping encryption in encryption. If somebody tried to intercept the data, it would take literally millions of years for them to decrypt the information,” he added. This is however a first step. Macugay says that although it will make things easier in the long run, in the short term it’s going to require more training for his signal Soldiers and those assigned to the CCP. “Once we work out the bugs everyone else in the Pacific will look to us [CCP] as the guys to follow when they go wireless,” added Macugay.

Sgt. Lauren Hart and Sgt. Chutrakoon Moleechat adjust communications gear as Mr. Paul Johnson from Harris Corporation sets up a SECNET 54, which is being used to extend a classified internet connection wirelessly over an unclassified wireless network.

Maj. William Macugay, U.S. Army Pacific Contingency Command Post looks on while Bart Robinson and Henry Pham (left to right) of Worldwide Technology discuss signal coverage patterns while setting up a wireless network

U.S. Army Pacific Unit Goes Wireless

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Story and photos by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Bell

Working togetherfor a better future

Elementary school students wait for the ground breaking ceremony to begin during a joint Philippine Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP) at Pedro L. Quines Elementary School, Tarlac Province, Republic of the Philippines