CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela (PIA) – Filipino and Australian soldiers have just concluded a joint military exercise at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz Division Training School in Gamu, Isabela.
The joint military exercises, which commenced on May 13, 2024, comprised 50 soldiers from the 86th Infantry Battalion and 100 from the Australian Army troops.
5th Infantry Division Commander Major General Audrey Pasia said the military exercise dubbed as ‘Kasanga 01-2024’ aimed to strengthen military capabilities and foster a solid alliance between the Philippines and Australia.
He also said both army troops have shared their respective techniques, tactics, and procedures in military operations. It also fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultures and traditions of both camps.
“This has been instrumental in offering combined training opportunities, enabling the two nations to exchange valuable techniques, tactics, and procedures to improve their operational effectiveness,” Pasia said.
The training included jungle and urban operations, breaching operations, tactical casualty care, jungle survival, mortar and drone operations, logistics, signal operations, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.
Pasia also said the military exercises involve the sharing of operational experiences in countering and conquering terrorist groups and external security threats which emphasized effective communication as a fundamental role in military operations, especially in challenging and fast-paced situations where precise communication is vital for the warriors’ safety, success, and welfare.
The training, he added, also equipped the soldiers with the necessary knowledge and skills in contemporary life-saving techniques and pain relief methods, combat shooting, and basic fire mission training.
“By sharing our operational experiences and working together to counter terrorism, we have significantly improved our interoperability ready to face future challenges. Your work has not gone unnoticed, and I am confident that the knowledge and skills acquired during Kasangga 01-2024 will lead us to even greater success in the future.” Pasia said.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Lopsik, assistant defense attaché of Australia to the Philippines, expressed his gratitude to the army division officials for the invaluable support extended to their troops and the skills they gained during the training.
“We are deeply grateful for the insights and tactical knowledge the 5ID shared. This collaboration has been instrumental in advancing our joint operational effectiveness,” Lopsik said. (OTB/MGE/PIA Isabela)
