PH Army, PH Marine Corps and Japan Army hold staff talks

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) held its 5th Staff Talks here on September 1, 2020.

Col. Rommel Cordova, PA Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans; Col. Jimmy Larida, PMC Chief of Staff; and Col. Chikayoshi Yato, JGSDF International Security Cooperation and Policy Division Ground Staff Office Director; met over a virtual conference to discuss the parties’ future activities aimed at strengthening military mutual interests and cooperation.

The PA and the JGSDF agreed to pursue the Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE) for 2021 that covers trainings on CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear), C4s (Command and Control, Communications and Computer Systems; Reserve Force Development; and facilitation of HADR equipment donated by Japan.

Additionally, the PMC and JGSDF agreed to conduct SMEE on Amphibious Assault Vehicle and Unmanned Aerial Systems; Communications Interoperability; Amphibious Capability; and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

The participating chiefs expressed their gratitude for the partnership to capacitate the forces in advancing peace and security in the region as they look forward to the signing of the revised Terms of Reference when the PA Commanding General and PMC Commandant visit Japan in the future. #