Army, Air Force wrap up joint exercise

The Philippine Army has concluded its Interoperability Exercise or IOX 02-2023 along the Philippine Air Force, with the aim to upgrade the soldiers' combat readiness.

In a statement on Monday, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the closing ceremony was graced by Tactical Operations Wing Northern Luzon Commander Brig. Gen. Rocky J. Binag,  at the Headquarters of the 5th Infantry Division, Camp Melchor F. Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on 30 September.

During the event, Binag emphasized that the exercise has enriched both the Army and Air Force with invaluable lessons and strong camaraderie among its troops, especially toward integrating and synchronizing operations in the military.

Trinidad said 836 participants from PA and PAF gathered to train on Command Post Exercises, Field Training Exercises and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges covering topics such as Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Air-to-Ground Operations, Close Air Support, Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System, Military Free Fall, Hoist, Communication and Support System as well as Sustainment Operations.

He added the IOX 02-2023 enhanced the PA and PAF's interoperability, combat readiness and effectiveness to showcase capabilities, strengthen working relations and evaluate tactics, techniques and procedures to improve air-to-ground communication and operations.