Conquering the environment bilaterally

Courtesy Photo | Pfc. Jerimiah L. Drummer (left), an ammunition technician with, Ammunition Company, 3d Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade receives a coin for his hard work from Filipino Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Calexon Deatras of 1st Reconnaissance Battalion (right) during jungle warfare training here Oct. 16, as part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011. Phiblex '11 is a bilateral training exercise that increases both the U.S. and Philippine armed forces' ability to respond quickly and work together effectively to provide relief and assistance in the event of natural disasters and other crises. (Photo by: Cpl. Brandon L. Saunders)  

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, PHILIPPINES

10.16.2010

Story by Cpl. Brandon Saunders 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Philippines – Philippine Marines taught their American brothers-in-arms jungle warfare survival tactics as part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011 here, Oct. 16.

Phiblex '11, a bilateral training exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Armed Forces of the Philippines is part of the long-term security cooperation program between the Republic of the Philippines and the U.S.

U.S. Marines attached to the 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade's Logistics Combat Element learned vital survival skills from their Philippine counterparts from 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. The training began Oct. 12 and is scheduled to continue through Oct. 17.

The jungle warfare training has included classes on the Philippine Marine Corps Martial Arts, how to build a fire, and how to cook wild plants and animals.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Wesley W. Matthews, Pensacola, Fla., native and company gunnery sergeant of Ammunition Company, 3rd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd MEB, this experience is a trade-off for the Filipino Marines as well.

“[The Filipino Marines] get to experience things like [Meals-Ready to Eat], as well as see our other capabilities when in this environment,” he said.

“It's great to work with the U.S. Marines again,” said 2nd Lt. Roder M. Flores, Philippine Marine Corps . “This training is meant to teach [U.S. Marines] how to survive in the jungle.”

Flores attended The Basic School in Quantico, Va., and said he always looks forward to working with his American counterparts.

U.S. Marines were split up into teams of four and were tasked to build their own fires, find their own food and prepare it for practical application according to their period of instruction given to them by the Filipino Marines.

The training kept many of the Marines motivated throughout the day; according to one Marine, they all walked away from the practical application with a sense of accomplishment.

“I love it out here,” said Cpl. Jermel R. Hardy, Atlanta native and non-commissioned officer-in-charge of inventory for Ammunition Company, 3rd Supply Bn., CLR-35. “I believe this should be part of recruit training.”

Hardy, like many other Marines participating noted that working with their Filipino counterparts was easy and enjoyable.

“They're fellow Marines, they're just like us,” he said.

Jungle warfare training is an example of the bilateral training and interoperability of both organizations, equipping Marines with a more diverse skill set that they can use in a real-world situation.

“For the individual Marines, this is an experience that will stay with them,” said Matthews. “It's rare that they get such an opportunity.”

• Date Taken: 10.16.2010
• Date Posted: 10.16.2010 07:30
• Story ID: 58235
• Location: CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, PH