Army Acquires Force Protection Equipment
Tasked with the crucial job of protecting the people and the country,
defending and upholding the country's freedom and democracy, Filipino
soldiers assume greater risks in order to be more responsive to the
needs of the people. The physical risks come not only from enemy
firearms, but have increased in recent years with the terrorists' use of
improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
In its effort to further equip and ensure the safety of its men, the
Philippine Army continues to acquire force protection equipment for
combat units. The most recent acquisition is the 50,500 life-saving
Kevlar Helmets from the United States government, which the Philippine
Army is expected to receive under the US Excess Defense Articles (EDA).
Last June 10, 2010, a symbolic turnover was held between US Ambassador
His Excellency Harry K. Thomas Jr and Lt. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu,
Commanding General of the Philippine Army representing the first tranche
of 25,140 helmets. The remaining 25,360 is expected to arrive sometime
in the third or fourth quarter of this year.
Meanwhile, a total of 1,355 Body Armor was also acquired by the Army,
subject for issuance to the different Army units nationwide. Army
soldiers will soon be wearing in combat the newly acquired protective
equipment to increase their survivability in encounters with terrorists
and other lawless elements.
Likewise, the Philippine Army has continually upgraded the basic
equipment of fighting units for force protection and combat life support
such as medical equipment, combat life saver kits, trained combat
medical aidmen, field medics and improved medical evacuation.
Force protection is about better ways to protect our troops. Increased
safety and reduced risks lead to enhanced confidence and morale for
fighting soldiers and improvements in the offensive capability and
performance. These acquisitions boost the tactical edge of the
Philippine Army troops translating to a greater resolve to accomplish
security missions. #
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