Rapidfire

Mar 28 2007, 08:26 PM

what type of radio is the Noypi soldier carrying, the antenna seems to be blocking his head

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New Weapons, equipment acquired by fighting units

The military, using the latest weapons and communication technology, has transformed its basic combat unit -- the ninemember squad -- into a formidable fighting machine capable of wiping out enemy forces three times its number, official said.

Col. David Lucero, executive assistant of Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen, Hermogenes Esperon, said soldiers are now armed with the powerfulk Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), a modern replacement of the heavy M-60 machine gun.

He said the squad is also equipped with the state of the art communication system called Tactical Communication Equipment (TCE) connecting it with other military units and with base headquarters for artillery support and ground to air contact with pilots for air strikes.

"With its firepower and communication capabilities, the squad can go on long-range patrol and engage enemy forces with superior number," Lucero said.

"The SAW particularly is a handy weapon with devastating power. It is the weapon used by US Forces in the war in Iraq and Afghanistan," he said.

The SAW and TCE are part of the acquisitions from 2003-2006 under the Armed Forces modernization program. Total acquisitions during the period were estimated to reach more than P3 billion.

Other acqisitions included vehicles, light aircraft and transport helicopters, gunboats and diving suits, dental and medical equipment. The purchases were made through public bidding and government to government procurement.

Defense Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane said the acqusitions were intended to upgrade the government's capability to deal with threats posed by the New People's Army and the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

"We want the fighting to stop. But we are prepared for war," Ebdane said.

Manila Bulletin
Thursday, March 15, 2007
News, page 7

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PHILIPPINES-- Five Philippine Army soldiers try on US armor vests turned over to the Philippine military as part of the RP-US Military Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA). 01/24/2003

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PHILIPPINES -- A 6th Special Operations Squadron adviser and a Philippine air force range security team conduct medical evacuation procedures during a combined training exercise here. The 6th SOS is from Hurlburt Field, Fla.

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PHILIPPINES -- Airmen with the 6th Special Operations Squadron from Hurlburt Field, Fla., train Philippine airmen to use a rope ladder. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Philippine Marines rush from a CH-53 helicopter at Ft. Magsaysay.
Photo by LCpl. Brandon Gwathney, USMC

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Philippine Marines wait to rush aboard a CH-53 helicopter at Ft. Magsaysay.
Photo by LCpl. Brandon Gwathney, USMC

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Philippine Air Force A1C Drexler Camagong and U.S. Air Force Sr. Amn. Thomas Rajala use an anemometer to check wind speed and direction at the combined drop zone.

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Philippine and U.S. Air Force personnel plan an airdrop mission during BALIKATAN 2000.