04/29/2014: In the wake of a newly signed 10-year agreement between the Philippines and the US, the forces will engage in the 2014 version of Balikatan.
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Credit:Marine Forces Pacific Combat Camera:4/29/14
The framework accord that will allow U.S. troops, warships and aircraft to operate from Philippine military bases and training camps on a rotating basis.
It is not about building permanent U.S. bases or stationing large numbers of troops in the Philippines.
Nonetheless, some Philippine installations will be refurbished and used to pre-position U.S. supplies and equipment in the event of regional crises or humanitarian disasters.
In effect, the agreement is part of PACAF’s “places not bases strategy” and that of the USN-USMC distributed laydown.
It will require more attention being placed on the connectors, which allow for the rotation of forces.
In the first photo, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Brian Johnson, back, discusses helicopter insert and extract procedures with Philippines Army Soldiers on Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 29, 2014. Philippine and U.S. Army personnel are preparing for an upcoming field training exercise during Balikatan 2014.
This year marks the 30th iteration of the exercise, which is an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. military bilateral training exercise and humanitarian civic assistance engagement
In the second photo, Philippines Army Soldiers wait to start helicopter insert and extract training with U.S. Army Soldiers on Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 29, 2014. Philippine and U.S. Army personnel are preparing for an upcoming field training exercise during Balikatan 2014.
In the third photo, Philippines Army Cpl. Kenneth Dumagco moves to a notional extract location during helicopter insert and extract training with U.S. Army Soldiers on Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, April 29, 2014.