The US Marines, with the 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, recently teamed up with Philippine Marines to conduct an impressive mechanized raid during Balikatan 23 in Santa Juliana, Philippines, on April 16, 2023. Balikatan 23 is the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US military, which spans over three weeks and focuses on a range of skills, including amphibious operations, command and control, humanitarian assistance, urban operations, and counterterrorism throughout northern and western Luzon. The coastal defense training is particularly prominent in the Balikatan 23 training schedule.
In this mechanized raid, both the US Marines and Philippine Marines displayed their exceptional skills, training, and teamwork in a coordinated operation that showcased their readiness to respond to any security challenge. The video of the training exercise went viral, attracting numerous comments and shares from viewers who were in awe of the soldiers' precision and proficiency.
The US Marines have a long and proud history of working with their counterparts in the Philippines, dating back to the Philippine-American War in 1899. Since then, the US and Philippine militaries have continued to engage in numerous joint exercises and training programs to bolster the countries' mutual defense capabilities and to enhance their interoperability.
The Balikatan exercises, which started in 1981, have been a cornerstone of the US-Philippines defense relationship and have been instrumental in strengthening the two countries' strategic partnership. The training exercises have enabled the US and Philippine military forces to share best practices, enhance their military capabilities, and promote regional security and stability.
In conclusion, the recent mechanized raid conducted by the US Marines and Philippine Marines during Balikatan 23 is a testament to the countries' deep and enduring defense relationship, their shared commitment to regional security and stability, and their mutual respect for each other's military capabilities. The US Marines and Philippine Marines displayed their exceptional skills, training, and teamwork in an impressive operation that highlighted their readiness to respond to any security challenge.
FAQs:
What is Balikatan 23?
Balikatan 23 is the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US military that focuses on various skills, including amphibious operations, command and control, humanitarian assistance, urban operations, and counterterrorism throughout northern and western Luzon.
Why do the US Marines and Philippine Marines conduct joint exercises?
The US Marines and Philippine Marines conduct joint exercises to enhance their interoperability, share best practices, and promote regional security and stability.
How long have the US Marines been working with their counterparts in the Philippines?
The US Marines have a long and proud history of working with their counterparts in the Philippines, dating back to the Philippine-American War in 1899.
