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Bilateral Boat Raid Enhances Interoperability Between US Marines and Philippine Forces

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Marines from the United States and the Philippines conducted a bilateral boat raid on Katungkulan Beach, Republic of the Philippines, as part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011. The raid aimed to improve interoperability, increase readiness, and build professional relationships between the two countries. The exercise also included civil-military operations, such as engineering, dental, and medical civil action projects, to engage with the local community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The bilateral boat raid involved 60 US Marines from Company B, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, and 48 Philippine Marines from the 12th Marine Battalion Landing Team, Armed Forces of the Philippines.
  • The exercise was part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011, designed to improve interoperability and increase readiness between the two countries.
  • The landing teams boarded 18 combat rubber reconnaissance crafts and traveled 15 nautical miles to complete the raid, assaulting a mock enemy and securing the objective.
  • The unit's training included making quick strikes on enemies and then withdrawing to amphibious shipping or nearby ship assets.
  • 2nd Lt. Jan Job Elumbaring, company commander for 12th Marine BLT, Armed Forces of the Philippines, noted that the training enhanced military skills and built camaraderie between the US and Philippine Marines.
  • Sgt. Maj. Robert L. Caldwell, 3rd MEB sergeant major, emphasized that the exercise improved interoperability with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and supported peace and stability in the region.

Statistics:

  • 60 US Marines participated in the bilateral boat raid.
  • 48 Philippine Marines participated in the exercise.
  • 18 combat rubber reconnaissance crafts were used for the landing.
  • The raid was part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2011, which aimed to improve interoperability and increase readiness between the two countries.
  • 15 nautical miles was the distance traveled by the landing teams to complete the raid.

Sources:

  • [1] U.S. Marine Corps: Bilateral Boat Raid Enhances Interoperability Between US Marines and Philippine Forces, Gunnery Sgt. J. L. Wright Jr., Marine Corps Bases Japan.

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