The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Philippine Army (PA) formally opened its Interoperability Exercise (IOX) dubbed as PA-PAF IOX 02-2023 in a simple ceremony at the 5th Infantry Division, Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on September 25, 2023.
The ceremony was graced by MGEN AUDREY L PASIA PA, Commander, 5ID, PA, who called on the participants to focus on interoperability and reminded them to give their best in the entirety of the exercise.
This year’s IOX, hosted by the Philippine Army, is participated in by a total of 836 participants from the PAF and PA who will train side-by-side from September 25 to 30, 2023. The exercise will cover Command Post Exercises (CPX), Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), and Field Training Exercises (FTX), said Col Xerxes Trinidad Philippine Army Public Information Office commander.
SMEEs will cover a series of topics, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), Air-to-Ground Operations, Close Air Support, Fast Rope Insertion Extraction System (FRIES) Military Free Fall, Hoist, Communication and Support System, and Sustainment Operations. Meanwhile, the Battle Staff Exercise will focus on problem-action scenarios, which will all be applied to the FTX as a culmination activity.
According to Col Ma. Consuelo Castillo, Air Force Spokesperson, This exercise aims to enhance the interoperability, combat readiness, and effectiveness of the two branches of service. The PAF and PA will showcase their capabilities, strengthen working relations, and evaluate tactics, techniques, and procedures to improve air-to-ground communication and operations.
