Description Balikatan is the name for the annual military exercises between the Philippines and the United States. It is a Tagalog word meaning "shoulder-to-shoulder". The 10-day exercises have been the cornerstone of Philippines–United States military relations since the U.S. bases in the Philippines closed.
The Balikatan exercises are designed to maintain and develop the security relationship between the two countries' armed forces through crisis-action planning, through enhanced training to conduct counterterrorism operations, and through promoting interoperability of the forces.
Over the years the exercises have expanded to include surrounding other countries in Southeast Asia. The training has also had a shifting focus. During the U.S.-led "War on Terror" the annual Balikatan Exercises focused on training for counterterrorism missions. There has been some controversy over these exercises; a growing number of Philippine people are angry over the continued presence of U.S. troops in the Philippines.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
January / 1988
To Month/Year
June / 1988
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
People You Remember 1st Platoon Bravo Btry.
Memories Originally there for Cope Thunder exercise and occasionally escorted Air Force Officers to and from Crowe Valley. Did not realize it was considered "Peace Keeping" until recently.
