After wrapping up the successful annual Balikatan exercise last week, United States soldiers from the 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) are now engaging in their first-ever partner training rotation with the Philippine Army, taking place from April to June 2021 at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.
The bilateral events between the 5th SFAB and the Philippine Army involve subject matter expert exchanges across the spectrum of military operations to include communications, logistics, and unit training management.
Both sides are expected to learn and train, share best practices, collaborate on areas of mutual interest, and lay the groundwork for future exercises between the two nations.
“We are very excited to train with our Philippine partners,” said Capt. Oleg Sheynfeld, commander of the SFAB team in the Philippines. “Throughout our rotation, we will conduct subject matter expert exchanges to increase interoperability between our forces across the spectrum of military operations.”
The US team that arrived in the Philippines last month is part of the 5th SFAB’s Force Package 21-1, which began employing American soldiers into the Indo-Pacific in January 2021.
The 5th SFAB’s training teams are comprised of about 20 highly skilled, hand-selected soldiers capable of providing advanced training expertise in military specialties like communications, logistics, and medical aid. Collectively, the 5th SFAB team members bring with them more than 100 years of military experience.
Philippine Army Spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala welcomed the partnership between the two armies that aims to enhance the capabilities and interoperability of both forces in conventional, joint, and combined operations as it promotes solidarity in the global fight against terror in all its forms.
Among the Philippine Army units that are taking part in the bilateral exercise include the 1st Brigade Combat Team, the 99th Infantry Battalion, Training, and Doctrine Command, Support Command, and the Forward Service Support Unit.