by Kris Osborn, President Warrior
US and Philippine force are practicing jungle warfare maneuvers along the coast of the island with the specific aim of identifying and countering a potential Chinese invasion, a complex and challenging task likely to require a unique blend of multi-domain and multinational combat operations.
The two countries are teaming up to coordinate combat operations in a way that leverages Philippine forces knowledge of the terrain with US provided technology and equipment. Both armies are embracing similar concepts of operation which involve the use of drones, supportive fires, maneuvering to contact and exchanging information in real time. Army leaders with the Joint Pacific Multinational Training Center report great successes building strong relationships with their Philippine counterparts, something believed to be extremely vital given the recent addition of new US bases and weapons in the country.
"When we bring in the new equipment, we have the ability to see the enemy and strike the target. We can determine what kinds of munitions we would use. That's what we are doing... we're not just using the equipment but using it in the most effective way possible," Col. Matthew Leclair, Commanding Officer, Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center, told Warrior in an interview.
Leclair further explained that a large part of any defense of the Philippine islands would not only involve a key need for drones and ISR but also require mechanized reinforcements in the form of armored vehicles, artillery and close air support.
Kris Osborn is the President of Warrior Maven – Center for Military Modernization. Osborn previously served at the Pentagon as a highly qualified expert in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army—Acquisition, Logistics & Technology. Osborn has also worked as an anchor and on-air military specialist at national TV networks. He has appeared as a guest military expert on Fox News, MSNBC, The Military Channel, and The History Channel. He also has a Masters Degree in Comparative Literature from Columbia University