The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is exploring ways to involve its cadets in joint military exercises as part of the country’s defense of its marine territory.
Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the PMA is exposing cadets to emerging global and domestic challenges they may face as commissioned junior officers upon graduation.
Brawner added that cadets undergo their own military service exercises as part of their curriculum, through participation in larger programs like the annual Balikatan Exercises. However, PMA superintendent Navy Rear Adm. Caesar Bernard Valencia said they need to study the Corps of Cadets’ training schedules to determine who is suitable to join the next Balikatan.
The 2023 Balikatan was conducted from April to May in Batanes and Palawan.
Meanwhile, American Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said the 2025 Balikatan will be the largest “multidomain” exercise since the program started 39 years ago. It will involve various ground, air, and naval combat services through comprehensive maritime defense training.
Brawner expressed hope that the country’s Congress and Japan will ratify a “reciprocal access agreement,” allowing Japan to participate in the 2025 Balikatan.