
Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel started training together on Monday, Sept. 25, to enhance the interoperability, combat readiness, and effectiveness of the two branches of service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Major General Audrey Pasia, commander of the Army's 5th Infantry Division, graced the opening ceremony of the PA-PAF Interoperability Exercise (IOX) 02-2023 at Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela.
A total of 836 participants from the PA and PAF are participating in an array of drills covering Command Post Exercises (CPX), Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), and Field Training Exercises (FTX).
"The PAF and PA will showcase their capabilities, strengthen working relations, and evaluate tactics, techniques, and procedures to improve air-to-ground communication and operations," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said.
Throughout the duration of the IOX, the participants will exchange best practices on different SMEEs focusing on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions; air-to-ground operations; close air support; Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System (FRIES) training; military free fall; hoist, communication and support system; and sustainment operations.
The Battle Staff Exercise will then focus on problem-action scenarios which will be applied to the field training exercises as a culmination activity.
IOX will run until Sept. 30, according to Castillo.
Meanwhile, AFP Chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. noted how the PA and PAF have supported each other in their daily operations and in times of critical missions, ensuring the success of the military.
"We have a very long history, the Philippine Army on the ground and the Philippine Air Force supporting our troops. We are truly grateful for the courage, professionalism that our pilots and crew have shown us and have given us as proof of their dedication towards serving our country and our people," Brawner said when he visited troops at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
Brawner directed the PAF and PA commanders to continue implementing their transformation roadmaps "to ensure the advancement and professionalization of the military organization."