FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines — U.S. Army Pacific Soldiers kick off the start of Salaknib 2022 alongside the Philippine Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team during an opening ceremony March 5, 2022, at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, Philippines.

Salaknib is an annual bilateral exercise led by the Philippine military and sponsored by the U.S. Army Pacific, designed to improve the capability and interoperability of the U.S. and Philippine military in overall military operations, while strengthening bonds between the two long-standing partner countries.

U.S. Army Pacific Deputy Commanding General Maj. Gen. Matthew W. McFarlane and Philippine Army Exercise Director Brig. General Alvin B. Flores presided over the ceremony.

“The United States just released an Indo-Pacific strategy,” McFarlane said. “Two key aspects of this strategy are building bridges in the region and strengthening security in the pursuit of a free and open Pacific. This exercise is a demonstration not only for each other, but also for all those in the world who tend to disrespect a free and open Pacific.

About 1,100 U.S. Army soldiers and their Philippine Army counterparts are expected to participate in Salaknib 2022 through the last week of March, with training exercises taking place at Fort Magsaysay and Colonel Ernesto Air Force Base. Rabina.

Participating U.S. units include the 25th Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Division Support Brigade, 17th Field Artillery Brigade, Campaign, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade, 413th Contract Command, 130th Engineer Brigade and more.

Soldiers from both countries will participate in a series of field training and live-fire exercises and receive instruction and share best practices in several functional areas, including fire support, communications, engineering, counter-improvised explosive devices and military intelligence.

This year, Salaknib will also present the first-ever US-validated jungle operations training course, delivered by the 25th Infantry Division Lightning Academy and soldiers from the 2-27th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

“Bringing the Lightning Academy Jungle Course to the Philippines is something we really wanted to do,” said Col. Josh Bookout, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Commander. “When you experience tough training together, you create a closer bond, and that’s what Salaknib is about, building relationships.”

McFarlane concluded his opening remarks with a final reminder to all in attendance.

“Remember, together we are one team, and that team is ready for a fight if that ever happens, and this exercise demonstrates that capability.”