By PO3 Niño Roche Z Baldano PN (Res)
Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) is the latest evolution in the U.S. Army's doctrine, serving as the framework for how the Army will win its future battles. The Philippine Army adopted this warfighting concept as it correlates with the country's aim to boost its territorial defense and counterinsurgency measures. In multi-domain battle, the Army aims to mitigate the threats posed by near-peer adversaries who are contesting the theater of operations with Anti Access Area Denial (A2AD) capabilities. This includes the issue in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), wherein China has been preventing the Philippines from exercising full sovereignty over its territorial waters. The Army answers this challenge by competing not just on Land but in all domains, including Air, Maritime, Space, and Cyberspace or Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS). This is currently being implemented through the procurement of multi-capable assets, the modernization of facilities, the conduct of joint-force operability exercises, and through knowledge exchange with foreign military forces.
While the MDO concept is adaptive to changing times and evolving threats, it still emphasizes the importance of basic concepts. Missions will still fail if supply lines are disrupted, assets are not fully operational, and soldiers are not well taken care of; these are issues that fall under Sustainment. It is a key element in winning wars, yet some leaders still fail to see its relevance. An example of this is the miscalculation in logistics in the Ukraine War. Russia started the invasion by attacking the Antonov Airport near Kyiv. This was a commendable plan, considering the importance of air bases in war; controlling one ensures the flow of manpower and supplies. But after weeks of fighting, Ukraine’s persistence prevented Russia from seizing the air base. This failed attempt only made Russia realize that this war would not be easy for them. From that point on, weaknesses in their planning started coming to light. Their reliance on their own railway system has also proven to be a double-edged sword. Note that the network of train tracks they built all over their country is beneficial to both their citizens and the military, soldiers and assets were transported using this channel to prepare for the invasion. But beyond their territory, they have lesser means to transport supplies. Ukraine was aware of this, so they destroyed their own train tracks to give their enemy a major disadvantage. Russia’s other option would be the use of trucks, but their insufficient number of units was targeted as well, taking down the resources that came along with it. As the use of land becomes unfavorable, utilizing the other domains should be considered. While both countries are yet to establish control over the air domain, Ukraine has a slight advantage. Despite their predicament, the Russian air force still remains passive, preventing their aircrafts from joining the action. On the other hand, Ukraine’s ground-based air defenses have been growing over time through the help of its allies. The recent attacks on the air bases of Engels-2 and Dyagilevo and the Sevastopol naval base in Crimea should be impactful enough for Kremlin to rethink its ways, but still, they rage on. Continuing their siege of Ukraine resulted in the European Union imposing a ban on their oil exports, affecting Russia’s source of revenue. Being one of the main exporters of oil to European countries, their economy is dependent on this energy trade. This forces Russia to rely on other markets to sustain its war expenditure. Low ammunition production, a decline in recruitment, and hackers jamming the radio frequencies also diminish their chances in this war, but as Russia insists on extending the fight, they run the risk of exhausting more resources, further exposing weaknesses. This shows the value of sustainment as the power source of every operation. By learning from these lapses, the Philippines will be able to improve its defense strategy. To champion its Multi-Domain Operations, the Philippine Army must have a solid logistics blueprint that can sustain its troops on the battlefield and secure the win against its adversaries.
Supporting Every Echelon
Strengthening the sustainment strategy for MDO requires careful assessment of the needs in the Tactical, Operational, and Strategic levels of warfare. From the lacking supplies for soldiers on the field to the absence of a multi-capable military base in the West Philippine Sea, every weakness must be taken into account. In searching for viable solutions, the military must prioritize speed, precision, and reliability. Speed means faster reaction time. Which mode of transportation will be the fastest to deliver supplies? How can wounded soldiers receive immediate medical assistance? There must be precision in the procurement of assets and the management of supplies based on specific requirements. Which type of vehicle will enable the troops the access the river channels in the jungle? How many Brahmos missiles does the Army need to store? Ensuring reliability means securing the availability of facilities and capabilities for combat support. How can the brigades in far-flung areas modernize their headquarters? How far is the Philippines from sending its own reconnaissance satellite into space? By asking these questions, the military will be able to improve its logistical awareness. After the key problems are enumerated, they can start considering which ideas are feasible enough with the country's defense budget allocation and possibly ask the government for additional support.
THE DOMAINS
LAND
Meal, Ready-To-Eat (MRE). Sustenance has always been a challenge for soldiers on the move. Having to carry food means additional weight while sourcing it from the environment prerequisites Jungle Survival Training. To overcome such difficulties, the concept of MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) was developed by the U.S. Army. During its early years, it was not widely accepted by soldiers, receiving criticism for its taste and texture. Truly, food can be quite challenging to present since it does not only sustain the body but also the mind. It helps boost the morale of worn-out soldiers, so adjusting it to their preference will increase its chances of being accepted. The U.S. Army used the feedback to improve the MREs until it was acceptable. They held on to this concept as they understood its relevance in contemporary warfare. The modern battlefield necessitates troops to move faster, so taking less time to prepare food should be observed. Fortunately, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) started modernizing its capabilities and released an updated version of the MRE that is locally produced. Based on the contents, it is intentionally aimed at Filipino taste buds and rightfully considers Islamic food culture (Halal certified). Since it seems like warfighters really approve of this version, after being fielded during the Marawi siege, the AFP should be commended for this initiative. Bringing back this innovation for the troops means that military leaders are being more competitive. It constantly looks for ways to improve its chances, and sooner or later, it becomes more capable of holding itself in the future battlefield.
Ammunition Storage. When it comes to munitions readiness, leaders need to consider what's needed now and what's saved for tomorrow. Stable production should be secured for commonly used ammunition, such as the M16 and M4 bullets and 155mm artillery rounds. The ability of manufacturers to keep up with the demands over time will ensure the continuity of operations and preparedness for war. Considered fast-moving supplies, ammunition does not pose much of a challenge in storage. Regular ammunition dumps will keep these rounds intact and ready for distribution. But for the more expensive ones, like the Kooryong rockets and Brahmos missiles, a more sophisticated storage facility with features like climate control is required. Handling these assets will also need additional training to ensure proper care and maintenance. Since the Philippine Army is set on strengthening its defense capabilities, it should also be prepared to house huge amounts of firepower. Even with lesser equipment, the country can still compete with a barrage of fire for effects.
Light Tactical Vehicles. As the premiere fighting force in land-based operations, the Army is intent on procuring an armored vehicle that is able to overcome different terrains. Light Tactical Vehicles (LTV) serve as the home and weapon of ground combat troops as they thunder down the road. Looking like a hybrid between a truck and a tank, this vehicle is loaded with capabilities that scream modern warfare. Having a reinforced chassis protects its passengers from bombs, bullets, and the elements; the mounted gun on the roof provides additional fire support while charging into the field; and its ground clearance and high mobility allow it to go off-road and bring soldiers right into the heart of the battle. Acquiring a fleet of this adept vehicle will definitely give the Army command over the land domain.
Mobile Hospitals. Casualties are a common thing during battles. Soldiers willingly risk their lives in the field for the sake of the mission. To save them from succumbing to fatalities, transportation and immediate medical assistance are a must to support every operation. Over the years, military forces have developed their own ways of handling their sick, injured, or wounded comrades. Portable Surgical Hospitals (PSH) as they called them during World War II, and Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals (MASH) during the Korean War, were utilized to treat incapacitated soldiers. Under the portable setup, doctors race against time to minimize the damage and save what's left. During the Vietnam War, the use of helicopters for medical evacuation was highly popular. This method was effective in the jungles of Vietnam, where trees get in the way of trucks and the air is the only viable channel. In the modern battlefield, military forces have improved their medical responses through their latest assets. The Philippine Army recently introduced its Mobile Surgical Care Unit, which is a converted KM250 truck loaded with medical equipment, that enables them to perform various treatments including patient stabilization and damage control surgery. According to Army Chief Nurse Col. Maria Victoria Juan, the concept of this asset was meant to address some operational problems encountered during the Battle of Marawi. As counterinsurgency operations continue to take down the lives of both soldiers and rebels, having a deployable hospital would increase their chances of survival. Hopefully, this would lessen the casualty rate.
3D Printers. In the age of convenience, 3D Printers provide versatile capabilities to those creative enough to use them. When applied for military purposes, this equipment can help solve problems in logistics and engineering. U.S. Military forces have been using it to print additional supply requirements and replacement parts for their expensive assets. Since they can provide their own raw materials, they have proven 3D printing to be cost-effective. It also saves production time, since they can get half of the supplies from contracted suppliers with the remaining half produced in-base. The military only needs to build a database of 3D models of different assets, and this can be achieved by using 3D scanning equipment. This innovation is also applicable in construction, creating installations in a shorter amount of time and requiring less human labor. Constructing these installations, however, requires a bigger 3D Printer, which means additional expense. At this point, this product is too costly for the Philippines to consider. Maybe in the future, the military can have its own version of this. But for now, they need to rely on suppliers to produce their needs. As a way to bring positive change, the Philippine military can instead encourage domestic production, which will generate more jobs and revenue for the country.
AIR
Drones. The rise of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) allows the military to conduct reconnaissance, attack, and resupply missions from a distance. Through its vertical lift technology, it reduces the need for a runway, allowing it to be launched from different positions. It can also be piloted autonomously through a computer or a hand-controlled remote. Military forces are now developing this technology’s potential to provide immediate medical assistance and deliver supplies for soldiers deep in a fight. In the Philippines, the use of drones can be well integrated into jungle and urban operations. Drone pilots and foot soldiers will have corresponding training to incorporate this technique into their warfighting methods. From its launch to its landing, the process should be seamless to achieve maximum efficiency. Using this technology in a fight means that military units will have better chances of treating injuries and easing their problems regarding lacking supplies. Depending on the situation, different models of varying sizes and load capacities should also be considered. This will be a major step in adapting to modern warfare and will allow other assets like helicopters to be deployed in far more complex missions.
Cargo Helicopters. The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is a heavy-lift helicopter that is used by the U.S. Army to transport troops, equipment, supplies, and casualties. The earlier versions of the Chinook can carry up to 20,000 lbs and can fit up to 44 personnel. It was first used in combat during the Vietnam War and since then, it has undergone major upgrades to increase mobility, stability, and capacity. Currently, it can also be armed with M60D machine guns to provide fire support. Considering the country’s terrain and the accessibility of road networks and landing zones, this type of asset would be valuable for Philippine Army operations. The vertical lift capability of helicopters, just like drones, makes landing easier without the need for an airfield runway. This will make it easier for the Army to deploy and resupply troops in far-flung areas and is also valuable in conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations. By strengthening the capabilities of the Army Aviation Regiment, the Army can support the Philippine Air Force in providing logistics assistance and in establishing a presence in the air domain.
MARITIME
Riverine Assets. As an archipelagic country, the Philippines is surrounded by different bodies of water separating the islands. Lots of river channels also snake through the terrains. Therefore, adding support to the maritime domain is essential for the country’s territorial defense. As part of the Special Operations, Riverine forces were created to perform waterborne operations. They help in patrolling the country’s littoral areas and provide assistance during emergency situations. To better serve their purpose, they must be equipped with more capable watercrafts that allow for speed and load capacity. This will enable them to help the Navy and Coast Guard secure the vast waters that the few naval assets cannot fully cover. It will also be valuable during floods and typhoons to facilitate rescue and supply operations, since strong winds and swamped streets render air and land assets ineffective. To prepare for such uncertainties, the Army and the other branches of service should embrace multi-capability, specializing not just in their specific domain but in others as well. This will strengthen the preparedness of the entire military and increase the availability of assets that can answer any situation from different areas of operations.
Mobile Coastal Batteries. Ever since the Spanish occupation, artilleries were used to defend the coastal areas of the Philippines. Forts were strategically placed to deter enemy ships and prevent entry. However, during World War II, it was proven ineffective against the Japanese aircrafts which dominated the airspace and bombarded the land and maritime defenses with their firepower. From this, American forces were forced to withdraw, giving way to the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. As a lesson, the country should start developing its artillery batteries and procure missiles that have longer range, precision, and power. The acquisition of Brahmos and Kooryong missiles along with the Atmos howitzers are part of that initiative. Unlike the old artilleries, which are stationary, low-range, and susceptible to one-hit damages from air-dropped bombs, these missile launchers and artillery guns are portable since they’re mounted on mobile trucks. They can be driven to wherever they are needed and change position to avoid enemy fires. This mobility will lessen logistical issues and add adaptability to battle formations. Procuring these assets, however, is a challenge to the country's limited defense budget. To prepare for any adversarial threat despite fewer resources, Taiwan's "Porcupine" strategy remains one of the best examples that this country can follow. It is about the procurement of a large number of small but lethal arms against big and costly assets. During the Ukraine War, the Ukrainian government bought thousands of portable Javelins for their military which proved to be effective against Russia's heavy tanks and equipment. By equipping the land-based forces with these types of portable surface-to-air missile launchers, it is possible for the Philippine military to cover the entire archipelago and its coastlines.
Kalayaan Base. The Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) is known for its vast amount of fish and oil reserves. For the longest time, Southeast Asian countries in the area, alongside China, have been sharing these resources, even though the latter thinks they deserve a bigger share. At present, they show the most aggression in these waters, exposing their motive to amass these resources for their own usegood. Seeing it as a threat to their campaign, the presence of Filipinos and other nationalities in the area makes them hostile. The Philippines however, will never give in. Approximately two hundred and eighty (280) nautical miles northwest of Puerto Princesa, Palawan lies the Municipality of Kalayaan. It is composed of seven islands and two reefs and serves as the home of around one hundred ninety-three (193) Filipinos. This gives the Philippines something worth fighting for. To protect the residents of this municipality and to secure this strategic position, the Philippine government should work on developing its infrastructure. Having a fully operational air base, port, and command center will allow the military to have freedom of maneuver over this area. When air crafts are able to land, supplies and medical tools can be easily transported. When naval assets have places to dock, the maritime area will be safer for the fisherfolks, cruising ships, and tourists. And when a command center is built, communication and other equipment can finally be installed to monitor and study the region. Kalayaan is never truly the last frontier. The Philippines should consider it as the first, since it holds their adversary in place. To let go of it means giving up their chances in this theater, but to develop it means freedom to navigate their own territory.
SPACE AND CYBERSPACE / ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM (EMS)
C4ISTAR. To achieve cross-domain synergy, the military needs secure communication lines and a steady flow of information. These capabilities fall within the Command and Control, Computer, Communication, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (C4ISTAR). Although a complex system, this connectivity allows military leaders to simplify their missions by gaining vision of the environment. The use of imaging equipment allows the military to determine the position of enemy troops and analyze the structure of the terrain. Such information is able to prompt coordinated attacks and effectively maneuver soldiers and equipment. Since the Philippines has lesser assets compared to its adversary, it is highly important to maximize its military resources. Through this system, the military can deliver effective damage with minimal effort. All that's left to do is prevent a breach. Given that Filipinos are known for spending more time online, technological adeptness in the country is an abundant skill. Cybersecurity soldiers can be easily trained to improve the system's security features. This will keep the frequencies intact, and ensure that key information will not jump over the Army's digital walls.
THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINMENT
The future of sustainment relies on the country's current modernization efforts. To tie up every loose end, the military has to check a long list of needs from the lowest level of warfare to the top.
TACTICAL. To increase every soldier's fighting chance, they must be equipped with effective assets and sufficient supplies that are suitable for contemporary warfare. They must have efficient means of transportation to go from the base to the field. Additionally, resupply operations should not be much of a problem and medical assistance should be readily available at every operation. Reservists should also be utilized accordingly; as they make up 47% of the country's total military manpower, their skillset should be developed through other schooling opportunities aside from basic training and annual mobilization exercises. Whether the Reservist chooses to specialize in infantry, artillery, or others, they must be given ample time to immerse in the field and interact with the brigade or division. This will build up their confidence and instill a stronger sense of military professionalism, making them competent enough to take up their position in their respective teams.
OPERATIONAL. Infrastructure within areas of operations should be able to support the military's sustainment requirements. Roads, bridges, airfields, and ports should be accessible to provide logistical advantages. By collaborating with Local Government Units, government agencies, and private partnerships, military bases and its vicinities can be developed. The establishment of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) bases in various areas of the country will help secure the different regions of the archipelago. Through these new or upgraded facilities, the country will not only strengthen its defense strategy but also improve its humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.
STRATEGIC. To solidify the country's theater strategy, its policymakers should support the military's high-level decisions. Insufficient budget allocation in the defense sector proves to be the biggest hindrance in ramping up the military's current capabilities; indeed, modernization is a long-term process that needs sustained financing. Threats from near-peer adversaries and natural calamities evolve over the years, so the military's continuous transformation is to be expected. Cooperation with other nations in the Pacific is also a good thing. Any aggression in these waters should be addressed and deterred. The Philippines cannot do it alone, so building connections is one way to make up for any lacking defense capabilities.
By considering the solutions listed above and working on the problems every echelon faces today, the Philippine military will be prepared to sustain the military operations of tomorrow.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
PO3 Niño Roche Z Baldano PN (Res) is assigned to 311th NSR/NFR-Southern Luzon. He joined the Reserve force so he can participate in national security, humanitarian affairs, and disaster response. He expands his knowledge of military and defense strategies by attending trainings, seminars, and other opportunities provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and looks forward to more engagement in the profession of arms.
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