Phl, US troops hold live fire exercise

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Filipino and US troops showcased their rapid response force capabilities during the Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise (CALFEX) held in the province of Tarlac today.

CALFEX involved troops from the Philippine Army Infantry Battalion, Marine Battalion Landing Team, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Artillery Company, the Philippine Air Force Support Units, and the US marine Corps Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Detachment.

Philippine Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Noel J. Detoyato said the field training exercise was based on simulated realistic scenarios. CALFEX included a helicopter raid, mechanized raid, motorized raid, and ground troop maneuvers.

CALFEX is part of the annual joint military exercises between the Philippines and the US dubbed as Balikatan which kicked off on May 5.

The 30th annual joint military drill, which will conclude on Friday, involves 3,000 Filipino soldiers and 2,500 American soldiers.