U.S. Marines with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, train with Philippine Force Recon Marines to conduct beach landings, Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations, and rifle and pistol shooting drills during KAMANDAG 3, October 10-17, 2019. Exercise such as KAMANDAG increase our ability to work together in response to crisis across the military spectrum in order to accomplish the mission, support the local population, and help alleviate human suffering. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by Cpl. Kameron Herndon)
Transcript
The recons team operate on a six-day manned group. And we were the first on to the beach to help the tracked vehicles with the intelligence that they need to make a safe landing. And, it was really amazing to guide them on to the beach and to witness the Philippines leading the way, America’s right behind them. It’s a great demonstration of the strategic alliance within the region.
I walked into this operation expecting to teach the Philippines something, but I actually ended up learning a lot myself. This has been a opportunity for the Philippine Marines, sailors and police to share their technical knowledge with the US and we also share our own experience with them. And, it’s been a learning experience on both sides.