Other CMO-related activities included tree planting, games and prizes for the barangay children, a grocery raffle, a basketball game between local residents and a composite team of AFP and U.S. soldiers, and a showing of the film "Saving Private Ryan." Information-related activities focused on health and sanitation, family planning, waste management, drug awareness, and livelihood issues such as livestock breeding and gardening tips. The "barangay immersion" activities were well planned and executed by the PASOCOM CMO students and were well received by the residents of the New Life community.

Philippine Army CMO students play games with barangay children as part of CMO training.

CONCLUSION

BALANCE PISTON 99-3 demonstrated the proficiency and professionalism of PASOCOM and USASOC soldiers. During the exercise, Philippine and US participants worked together, trained hard, and shared experiences that enhanced the military skills of the Special Operations forces of both countries. But more importantly, the exercise helped foster the development of professional soldier-to-soldier relationships and personal ties that will carry over into the future. As Brig. Gen. Julius L. Javier, PASOCOM Commanding General, noted in his remarks during the JCET's closing ceremonies, it is this human element of working together and getting to know each other that makes the BALANCE PISTON series of exercises such a success.

Public Affairs Group
(RESERVE) (PAG)

A dentist of the Public Affairs Group (Reserve) examines a young resident of Barangay Bagong Buhay.

The Public Affairs Group (PAG) (Reserve) traces its roots to the Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Group (Reserve). The PSYOP Group (Reserve) was redesignated as the PAG (Reserve) in 1996. The Group's operating branches include Civil-Military Affairs and Action Planning, Public Information and Media Development, Community Development, PAG Training, Research and Studies, Medical-Dental Disaster Rescue and Relief and regionally based Public Affairs Units in Luzon, Mindanao and the Visayas.

PAG responsibilities are to: (1) conduct public affairs and information drives to generate public support for the government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines; (2) assist in the conduct of rescue, relief and rehabilitation activities in the aftermath of disasters, calamities and disorders; (3) conduct information dissemination activities using various media to inform and educate the public on issues affecting national security; (4) initiate livelihood and other human resources development projects; (5) carry out civic action and community-related activities in coordination with both government and nongovernment organizations; and (6) conduct civilian and community assistance work to foster closer civil-military relations.

Philippine Army Special
Operations Command
(PASOCOM)

Philippine Army Scout Rangers, Sgt. Virgilio A. Alsong and Sgt. Aquilino A. Saldasal, Jr., demonstrate ambush patrol techniques.

The Philippine Army Special Operations Command (PASOCOM) was established in 1996. The mission of PASOCOM is to plan and conduct Special Operations in support of the Philippine Army. Its two operational units are the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) composed of seven Special Forces Battalions and the Scout Ranger Regiment comprised of three Scout Ranger Battalions. PASOCOM units are strategically deployed throughout the country in support of Philippine Army internal security operations.

PASOCOM has the following responsibilities: (1) conduct unconventional warfare operations, (2) develop, organize, train, equip, command and control the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Units and other indigenous forces for community defense, (3) conduct special reconnaissance and intelligence operations, (4) conduct raids, ambushes, and sabotage operations against specified targets, (5) perform disaster relief and search rescue operations, (6) conduct recovery operations, (7) conduct special operations training, (8) conduct counter-terrorist operations, and (9) carry out civil-military operations in support of PASOCOM objectives.