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	Solidarity and Skill: KAMANDAG 7 Cements U.S.-Philippines Defense
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        <h1 class="title">Solidarity and Skill: KAMANDAG 7 Cements U.S.-Philippines Defense</h1>
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                <div class="image-title">Costal Defense Training</div>
                <div class="image-caption">U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Philippine Marines, 3rd Marine Brigade, service members with Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, and Royal Marines with Maritime Liaison Assessment Team, 30th Commando Information Exploitation Group, pose for a photo during costal defense training during KAMANDAG 7 in Kamuning beach, Palawan, Philippines, Nov. 16, 2023. KAMANDAG is an annual Philippine Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps-led exercise aimed at improving bilateral readiness and mutual capabilities in the advancement of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. This year marks the seventh iteration of this exercise and includes participants from Japan, the Republic of Korea, and observers from the United Kingdom. MRF-SEA is a Marine Corps Forces Pacific operational model which involves planned exchanges with subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allies and partners, and positions I MEF forces west of the International Date Line. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Savannah Norris)</div>
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    <div><b>By  1st Lt. Charles T. Kimbrough </b> <span class="date">/ Published Nov. 22, 2023</span></div>
    <span class="dateline-text">PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines, </span>
    <p><span style="font-size:x-small;"><span style="font-family:arial;">As part of the expansive KAMANDAG 7 exercise, U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia and their Philippine Marine Corps counterparts, 3rd Marine Brigade, forged a deeper alliance on the island of Palawan Nov. 18, 2023.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:x-small;"><span style="font-family:arial;">As part of the broader bilateral exercise, subject matter expert exchanges on the island of Palawan highlighted the unique terrains of the island as a proving ground for interoperability and shared military objectives. The collaborative events encompassed a comprehensive range of military expertise, from Small Unmanned Aerial Systems exercises along the picturesque coastlines to jungle survival training and maritime sensing drills, integral for regional security.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:x-small;"><span style="font-family:arial;">"These exercises in maritime sensing and SUAS are more than just training—they are a gateway to enhancing our bilateral capabilities in real-world maritime security scenarios,” said U.S. Marine Capt. Philip Badrov, exercise force officer-in-charge with MRF-SEA, reflecting on the importance of the drills.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:x-small;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Taught by the Philippine Marines, jungle survival training tested and improved the adaptability of the U.S. Marines The PMC showcased their deep-rooted jungle warfare expertise, sharing invaluable skills with their U.S. counterparts on constructing hasty shelters from the abundant natural resources, identifying and sourcing proper nutrition directly from the dense underbrush, and demonstrating their minimalist approach to packing for operations in the unforgiving jungle.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:x-small;"><span style="font-family:arial;">Concurrently, medical teams from both nations engaged in exchanges, enriching each other's knowledge in trauma care and humanitarian assistance—key components of the allied forces' readiness for disaster response.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:x-small;"><span style="font-family:arial;">“We are situated in a very dynamic operating environment with vast and porous borders,” said the Commandant of the Philippine Marines, MGen. Arturo Rojas, emphasizing the symbiotic nature of the exercises. “We believe that engaging in exercises with our partners will help us achieve our goals not only for a safer and more secure Philippines but for the South East Asian Region as a whole.”</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:x-small;"><span style="font-family:arial;">KD7's multifaceted training also included communication exercises and coastal defense strategies. The partnership between Together, members of MRF-SEA and the PMC showcased a unified approach to military education and developing comprehensive defense strategies.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:x-small;"><span style="font-family:arial;">KD7’s focal point in Palawan illustrated the essence of the alliance—cooperation, skill, and mutual respect were on full display. “Our time here in Palawan has not only honed our skills but also cemented our bonds with the Philippine Marines,” said U.S Marine Lt. Col. Steven Sprigg, executive officer with MRF-SEA. “We stand together, not just in exercises but in our ongoing commitment to peace and stability in the region." U.S. and Philippine Marines fortified their bond—each drill, exchange, and maneuver reinforced the foundation for an enduring partnership and collective defense.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:x-small;"><span style="font-family:arial;">MRF-SEA is proud to have participated in this year’s Philippine-led exercise to enhance collective capabilities through strengthened cooperation among participating forces and will continue supporting regional Allies and Partners in support of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.</span></span></p>
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