Shoulder To Shoulder
Agency: Benar News Philippines
American and Filipino soldiers hold one of their largest joint combat exercises under the annual Balikatan or “Shoulder to Shoulder” at Crow Valley in the northern province of Tarlac, the Philippines. March 31, 2022. The military allies are conducting their largest war games in recent years in hopes of sending a message that the alliance is strong in the face of maritime challenges from China.
About 8,900 Filipino troops and 5,100 American military personnel will be joining in the exercises that will take place across Luzon until April 8.
The exercise will focus on maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
