Asia Pacific Defense Forum Winter 2002

U.S. Marines from the 3rd Marine Division and Philippine soldiers from the 7th Infantry Division move to a jungle training area

During the annual bilateral exercise BALIKATAN 2002-02, U.S. and Philippine forces shared combat training to enhance mutual capabilities and to strengthen mutual relations. Here U.S. Marines from the 3rd Marine Division and Philippine soldiers from the 7th Infantry Division move to a jungle training area
Photo by LCpl. Shane A. Austin, USMC

Balikatan, a Tagalog word for "shouldering the load together," characterized the intent and philosophy of BALIKATAN 2002-02, a combined/joint Republic of the Philippines (RP)-U.S. exercise.

The month-long exercise, held from 22 April to 6 May 2002 in the Philippines, focused on improving RP-U.S. armed forces combat readiness in joint/combined operations and improving interoperability through training exchanges of skills and techniques in conventional warfare. The exercise also enhanced security relations and demonstrated U.S. resolve to support the Philippines against external aggression and terrorism through joint/combined operations consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty between the RP and the U.S.

BALIKATAN 2002-02, the 18th in the series that began in 1981, included humanitarian, medical, and civil assistance projects. Engineers from both forces repaired schoolhouses and other facilities, while medical personnel treated about 10,000 residents.

About 2,900 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and 2,700 U.S. forces participated in the exercise. The Philippine Exercise Co-Director was Col. Horacio T. Lactao, AFP Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training. The U.S. Co-Director was Col. Brendan P. Kearney, USMC, Commander, U.S. Joint Task Force.

BALIKATAN 2002-02 began 22 April with a formal ceremony at the General Headquarters of the AFP at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila. Philippine Vice President Teofisto T. Guingona, Jr. welcomed both forces and told the troops, "We have had relations with the United States for over a hundred years. . . . We fought together against a common foe from 1941 to 1945. Today, we undergo BALIKATAN Exercises in peace to prepare for any defensive contingency. Despite the ups and downs, despite differences now and then – Philippine and U.S. relationship has withstood the test of time. And BALIKATAN Exercises are intended to benefit both nations, and to promote our national interest."