Ayon sa Armed Forces of the Philippines, sisimulan ang pagsasanay sa March 28 hanggang April 8.
Sesentro ang pagsasanay ng 3,800 AFP members at 5,100 U.S. military personnel sa maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, at humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
“During Balikatan, the U.S. Military and AFP will train together to expand and advance shared tactics, techniques, and procedures that strengthen our response capabilities and readiness for real-world challenges,” pahayag ni Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, 3rd Marine Division Commanding General.
Dagdag pa nito, “The friendship and trust between our forces will enable us to accomplish any mission across the spectrum of military operations.”
Kasama rin sa pagsasanay ang command post exercise upang masubok ang abilidad ng AFP at U.S. forces sa pagpaplano, pagbibigay ng kautusan, at pakikipag-ugnayan sa bawat isa.
Palalakasin din sa nasabing pagsasanay ang security at defensive capabilities ng alyansa.
“Exercise Balikatan is a testament to the strength of the Philippines and United States’ security relationship,” ani Maj. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, AFP Exercise Director for Balikatan 22.
Aniya pa, “The experience gained in the exercise complements our security cooperation endeavors and will help to enhance existing mutual security efforts.”
