Soldiers from 2nd Commando Regiment, together with soldiers from the United States’ 1st Special Forces Group, conducted marksmanship training with soldiers and airmen from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and policemen from the Philippines National Police at Fort Magsaysay as part of Exercise Balikatan on 30 April and 01 May, 2014.

The training included advanced marksmanship principles, including solidifying body positioning, improving sniper and spotter dialogue during shooting and long-range marksmanship.

Australian Defence Force personnel are currently in the Philippines supporting the US and AFP on Exercise Balikatan.

Conducted on Luzon and Palawan islands, Exercise Balikatan focuses on delivering humanitarian civic assistance programs, role playing maritime security scenarios and conducting a field training exercise.

More than 60 ADF personnel from the Navy, Army and Air Force and Defence Science and Technology Organisation are taking part in the exercise.

Exercise Balikatan allows the ADF to further build its Defence ties and military-civilian coordination skills with the Philippines and United States, as well as enhancing Asia-Pacific regional security and stability. This year is the fifth time the ADF has participated in Exercise Balikatan.