U.S. Soldiers, trainees of jungle operations training course (JOTC), maneuver through dense vegetation as part of Exercise Balikatan 2026 at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 3, 2026. U.S. and Philippine Army Soldiers are tested on physical and mental endurance while learning essential jungle warfare skills. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Elijah Magaña)
