U.S. Redefining Military Relationship With Philippines

Summary

U.S. military leaders are thinking of expanding training operations in the Philippines due to restrictions elsewhere in Asia. The Philippine military appears amenable to such a plan, since it would result in increased supplies, assistance and training for its troops. Having recently signed a logistics agreement with Manila, Washington appears to have found a way around political opposition in the Philippines to a more permanent military presence there.

Analysis

The United States is considering using the Philippines as a key military training area for its forces in Asia, the deputy chief of staff of the Philippine armed forces said Jan. 21. Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Teodosio said restrictions on U.S. military training at facilities in Japan, Hawaii and Thailand had caused Washington to look elsewhere, and that the Philippines provided an ideal place for U.S. troops to train for Asian or jungle contingencies. He added that Philippine soldiers also benefit from joint training exercises.

A decade after leaving the Philippines, the United States is gearing up for a more permanent military presence there. The Philippines was one of the first fronts in the war against terrorism, and U.S. troops have yet to leave the country since deploying in January 2002. Despite political concerns in Manila, it appears Washington is ready to redefine its military relationship with its former colony.