United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) deputy commanding general Lt. Gen. James B. Jarrard (left) and Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. (right) (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)
MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) and its counterpart, the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC), have agreed to support each other in their ongoing capability development.
This came following the courtesy call of USARPAC deputy commanding general, Lt. Gen. James B. Jarrard, to PA commander, Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Tuesday.
"During the visit, Lt. Gen. Brawner and Lt. Gen. Jararrd explored a range of engagement opportunities to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The two generals also discussed the preparations on capability development and training, particularly the upcoming 'Salaknib' and 'Balikatan' exercises," said Army spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a statement.
"Salaknib" is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023 while "Balikatan" is on the second quarter of this year.
"Moreover, both Armies likewise agreed to support each other’s organizational and capability development plans, especially towards the PA’s modernization initiatives which would play a key role in revolutionizing and equipping the Army," Trinidad added.
Joining Jarrard in his courtesy call were 19 USARPAC delegates including 25th Infantry Division (25ID) commanding general, Maj. Gen. Joseph Ryan; 25ID deputy commanding general for operations, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Van Antwerp; 1st Multi-Domain Task Force commanding general, Brig. Gen. Bernard J. Harrington; and other staff members.
Jarrard also visited the Nueva Ecija, Fort Magsaysay-based 7th Infantry Division and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement project sites there.
He is set to visit the Northern Luzon Command which is located in Tarlac City. (PNA)
