Defense Part II: Army, Navy, Air Force

105 Howitzer

The first article in this series presented an overview of the Philippine Department of National Defense, the civilian organization responsible for articulating a following through on laws aimed at building a strong military. The essential question is, how prepared is the nation to defend itself? The answer, subject to further enlightenments as we proceed, appears to be "not very". The reasons for the answer: (1) only 10% of the needed P331 billion budget for improvement has been allocated, and (2) the heavy administrative structure moves money to non-fighting purposes.

In this article, we will profile the main fighting units, army, navy and air force, looking at structure, mission and resources. JoeAm will make observations along the way. If you find the detail too mundane, please skip to the last section where JoeAm thinks outside the box.  

ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES (AFP)

This matrix organization pulls all military forces together under a command structure covering seven geographic regions of the Philippines, plus a National Development Support Command. There are also 16 support units.  Here is a sample mission from the Central Command:

• Central Command Mission: To conduct joint operations against threats in the Visayas in order to establish a Peaceful and Secured environment, and assist the Local Government Agencies in their Socio-Economic, Ecological and Developmental Activities.

AFP is led  by the following people:

• Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, AFP, Chief of Staff, AFP
• Lt. Gen. Alan R Luga, Vice Chief of Staff, AFP
• Lt. Gen. Gregorio E. Macapagal, Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP
• CMS Guillermo C. Francisco, Sergeant Major, AFP
• VAdm Jose Luis M. Alano, Flag Officer-in-Command, Philippine Navy
• Lt. Gen. Noel A. Coballes, Commanding General, Philippine Army
• Lt. Gen Lauro Catalino G. Dla Cruz, Commanding General, Philippine Air Force

The unified command centers are:

• National Capitol Region
• Northern Luzon
• Southern Luzon
• Central
• Western
• Eastern Mindanao
• Western Mindanao
• National Development Support

JoeAm Observations:  The number of coordination, administrative and support units that are behind the fighting troops makes for one huge body of soldiers not bearing arms. Clothing. Meals. Beds. Equipment. Transportation. Wow.

ARMY

• Vision:  A world-class Army that is a source of national pride.

• Mission: To organized, train equip, deploy, and sustain ground forces in support of the AFP mission. 

•  ISO (Internal Security Operations) Mission: To organize, train, equip, deploy and sustain ground forces to defeat the CTM by 2010, destroy the ASG and contain the SPSG in order to establish a physically and psychologically secure environment conducive to national development.

• Function: Organize, train and equip Army forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained combat operations on land;  Prepare such units as may be necessary for the effective prosecution of national defense plans and programs and Armed Forces mission, including the expansion of the peacetime ARMY component to meet any emergency; Develop, in accordance with the other Major Services, tactics, techniques and equipment of interest to the Army on field operations; Train, organize and equip all ARMY reserve units; and Perform such functions as the higher authorities may direct.

JoeAm Observations: "World class" is difficult to attain. The nation has too many demands on its budget to build a sophisticated army. It may be a more realistic vision to develop highly capable tactical or strike forces rather than masses of well-armed troops. And pride as an objective? How about ability to defend? The ISO mission recognizes that internal threats are the real threats of today, but clearly there is also awareness that external threats exist ( see Light Armor's stated transition to conventional warfare capability).

Major Units

• 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Pa, Location: Kuta Major Cesar L Sang-an, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. Mission:  Conducts Internal Security Operations (ISO) in the AOR to dismantle and destroy the remaining guerilla fronts of the LCM, the MILF, and the Abu Sayyaf Group in order to attain peace and stability conducive to sustainable development; assists  the  government  in  its  socio-economic development projects; and assists the PNP curb criminalities in the AOR.

• 2nd Infantry Division : Location: Tanay, Rizal. Mission:  "Conduct sustained Internal Security Operations (ISO) in regions 4A and 4B to neutralize the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) and the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the New Peoples Army (NPA) in order to create a physically and psychologically sound environment conducive for development and commerce." Known as the Jungle Fighter Division, 2nd Division is the Philippine Army's primary Infantry unit specializing in jungle warfare. [Wiki]

• 3rd Infantry Division: Mission: Conducts support operations in Western Visayas (Negros Occidental and, Panay and Guimaras Islands ), Negros Oriental and Suiquijor Island to "Win the Peace" 01 January 2011 to 31 December 2016 in order to help create an environment conducive for sustainable development and a just and lasting peace in the area. (JoeAm Note: headquarters has 100 positions assigned per web page; these are mainly coordination and special staff.)

• 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division: Mission: Conducts sustained IPSO to clear the AOR of CNN affectation and significantly degrade the armed capability of NEMRC, NCMRC, and part of SMRC effective 01 January 2011 to help the LGU's to maintained (sic) an environment conducive to sustainable development and a Just and Lasting peace by 2016. AOR: see map.

Who needs jets when you've got this?

• 5th Infantry Division: Mission: Conduct internal security operations in the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Cordillera Administrative Regions to destroy the communist terrorists and other threat groups in order to establish a physically and psychologically secured environment conducive to economic development. AOR: see map. Camp: Photos feature recreation facilities including golf course, bar and swimming pool.

• 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division: Location: Central Mindanao. Slogan: "Winning the Peace through Unity and Progress".

• 7th Infantry Division: (2 subsidiary sites; no Div. site): 702nd Infantry (Defender) Brigade:  "For the past 23 years, the 702nd Infantry (DEFENDER) Brigade has devotedly and selflessly served the people within its Area of Responsibility within the areas of Central Luzon. Currently located at Brgy Calaanan, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija . . . " 703rd (Agila) Brigade: Mission:  Conducts ISO to clear the remaining CTM affected areas in AOR NLT Yearend 2011 and prevent resurgence at cleared areas through holding operations in order to establish a physically and psychologically secure environment conducive to development. AOR: Provinces of Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pangasinan , La union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

• 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division:  AOR: Eastern Visayas (Islands of Samar, Leyte and Biliran). Mission: Conducts Internal Security Operations (ISO) in the Area of Responsibility (AOR) to dismantle and destroy the remaining guerilla fronts of the Local Communist Movement (LCM) in order to attain peace and stability conducive to sustainable development in assisting the Philippine government in its socio-economic development projects; and assists the Philippine National Police curb criminality in the Visayas Region. [Wiki]

• 9th Infantry (Spear) Division: (Web access denied.  "You don't have permission to access . . .") Location:  Bicol Region.  Mission:  conduct sustained Internal Security Operations (ISO) in the Bicol region, excluding Masbate (8ID), to neutralize the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) and the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the New Peoples Army (NPA) in order to create a physically and psychologically sound environment conducive for development and commerce of the Bicol Region. [Wiki]

• 10th Infantry (Agila) Division: AOR: 6 provinces, namely: Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley Province, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Sarangani and South Cotabato and the chartered cities of Davao and General Santos. 

• Light Armor Division: Vision: A modern, dynamic and relevant light armor division. Mission: To organize, train, equip, provide and sustain armor forces in the conduct of support operations to "Win the Peace" in order to help the Filipino nation create an environment conducive to sustainable development and just and lasting peace.  Units: Today, the Division maintains five (5) Light Armor Battalions, three (3) Mechanized Infantry Battalions, two (2) separate Light Armor Companies deployed in various parts of the archipelago, one (1) Aviation Battalion stationed in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, an Armor Maintenance Battalion, a Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battalion, a Signal Company, an engineer Combat Company and the Armor School, 1ACT, all based in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac. New Role:  In Line with the Army Modernization Plan, the Armor Division at the advent of the 21st Century, would be geared towards it new role – conventional warfare combat arms. Assets: Armor Personnel Carrier (APC), Commando V-150, Simba AFV, Scorpion CVR

• 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion: (No web site) Location: Mindanao. Mission: Organize, train, equip, deploy and sustain armor forces to defeat the CTM by 2010, destroy the ASG and contain the SPSG in order to establish physically and psychologically secured environment conducive to national development.

• Other Units: A number of significant service and support units: reserves, engineers, munitions, hospitals, materiel, etc..

Personnel: 200,000+ active duty; 170,000 reserves. [Wiki]

Armaments [Wiki]

• Armored Vehicles: 560, some as old as 1967; some assigned to Marines, most to Army
• Artillery: 270 cannons (155 and 105 mm); 70+ mortars; most delivered 1950's to 1980's
• Aircraft: 8 light airplanes (e.g., Cessna)
• Small Arms: mainly 200,000 M-16's; various other light weapons.

JoeAm Observations: The Army has become an effective jungle fighting force and has a broad presence in the remote areas where rebel and terrorist organizations operate. It is dangerous work, and the Army succeeds in keeping armed unrest to a minimum. These forces deserve utmost respect and appreciation. A cynic is inclined to ask, however, given the shortage of money whether golf courses, web sites dedicated to self-appreciation, and parades are the highest and best use of funds. The Army also provides disaster relief, supports local police to fight crime, and mans COMELEC check points during elections, all non-combat functions.

NAVY

The Philippine Navy is the focus of attention now to upgrade defense capabilities in the West Philippine Sea. Two small fighting ships (cutters) have been obtained. A third is in the plan but has been deferred so that money can be better spent arming the first two.

• Web Site: Thin with little information. Home page emphasizes recruitment. The web site contains no mission statement. This slogan is at the foot of the web site:  "Strong and Credible Navy for a Progressive Maritime Philippines". Reference is made to a "Navy Sail Plan 2020", but it is not published on the site.

• Organization: There are two major operating units, (1) the sailing fleet, and (2) the marines. Resources are organized under seven regional commands corresponding to the AFP unified command geographic regions supported by five support commands and eight support units.

• Bases: There are three naval bases (Cavite, San Vicente, Mactan), and 15 naval stations distributed across the Philippines. There are five marine corp bases.

• Personnel:  21, 957 [Wiki]

• Equipment:

• On Hand: three frigates,  eleven corvettes, "numerous" patrol boats, eleven amphibious landing ships and five auxiliary ships. [Wiki]

• Modernization Program:

• Hamilton class cutter: two obtained; a third deferred pending arming of the first two.
• Multi-purpose attack craft: six obtained so far; 42 planned. They haul 16 troops, two tons of supplies, and each has a 50 caliber and two smaller machine guns.
• Landing craft utility: One
• Offshore patrol vessel: None obtained; three in the plan.
• Under consideration: support and multi-purpose vessels; submarine
• Helicopters: Only one on hand. Target is 18 including 2 anti-submarine attack helicopters.
• Deep water patrol vessel (frigate): One under consideration

AIR FORCE

The organization of the Air Force units is not clear. Wiki presents a 2006 organization chart which does not appear to be the same as recorded on the Air Force web site.  Some units appear to have been deactivated, although they are still shown on the web site (15h Strike Wing; dissolved due to lack of aircraft in 2010). The truth and travails are reflected in this snapshot in the Air Force history profile:

•  Embracing the core values of IN-STEP – Integrity, Service above Self, Teamwork, Excellence and Professionalism – the leadership resolved to develop and arrest mediocrity at all levels. To sustain this, for the last three years, the modest acquisition was complemented by a structured system of strategic planning and redefined training programs alongside the widespread updating of manuals and other documents that focused on the dictates of service - advocating peace, progress and unity. Hammering down on pronounced core competencies and core values, the present airmen and airwomen created opportunities for the PAF to show its decisive will to succeed, driven and honorable despite and in spite of present realities and pronounced difficulties.

Philippine Air Bases

Little information is readily available about Air Force units, reflecting the cash-strapped condition of this branch of service.

• 1st Air Division:  Mission " . . . vital role on the internal security operations of the AFP . . . Its area of responsibility is now confined to the whole of the Luzon only, not nationwide as before. . . . Command and control over five (5) Tactical Operations Groups: TOG 1 in Loakan, Baguio City; TOG 2 in Cauayan, Isabela; TOG 3 in San Miguel, Tarlac; TOG 4 in Lucena City; and TOG 5 in Legaspi City and the 600th Air Base Wing, which maintains and secures Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Pampanga, where the Division headquarters is currently based." Vision: Given the new mission in Luzon in support to two major AFP Unified Commands, the 1st Air Division envisions to be a multi-dimensional force with vigilant air power and reach that can provide decisive and precise effects on all types of threats to national security through the employment of credible air power either on land, air or sea.

• 2nd Air Division: ("Forbidden to access this web site").

• 3rd Air Division: (No web site).

• 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing: (No web connectivity).

• Personnel: 17,000 [Wiki]

• Aircraft On Hand: [Wiki]
• Light Attack/Trainer Jet: 5
• Light Attack/Observation/Trainer Prop: 50
• Transport: 7
• Light Observation/Training: 32
• Helicopters: 93

• Upgrade Plan: [Wiki]
• Jet Fighters: maintenance  expense for 12 US F-16s deemed too high; attention is now on light training jets, converted to fight;12 FA-50 units from South Korea are being purchased as first step
• Helicopters: 25 being acquired; attack and service
• Others: a variety of transports, trainers, utility aircraft, and helicopters are being purchased or considered to fill certain support needs

ANALYSIS AND OUT OF THE BOX THINKING

Let's consider these military units from the perspective of past, present and future:

Past

The structure of the Philippine military is similar to that of America or other warmongering states of the 20th century, with three main components defined by their equipment and place of fighting:

• Army, on the land with land machines and guns
• Navy, on the sea with water machines and guns
• Air Force, in the skies with air machines and guns

The Air Force and Navy give meaning to the term "dilapidated". Run down from benign neglect.

Present

Schools or guns? We are not at war, at least externally; schools are more important. The Philippine government cannot fund robust build-up of military strength. Old equipment is getting very old. New equipment is being ordered unit by unit with approval going all the way to the top, the President, because equipment is expensive and it becomes a national budgeting decision. So F-16 jets are scrapped in favor of jet trainers and two Navy cutters are ordered rather than three.

The army gets huge resources, as it has a triple function:

• Fighting rebels and terrorists
• Domestic support: Helping the police deal with criminals  and manning COMELEC check points
• Disaster response

It is easy to question whether Army resources are applied well. We see pictures of golf courses and see all the parades and award ceremonies prominantly featured on web sites and note that there are many cross-command administrative units that do not go into the field. So there would appear to be a LOT of administrative padding among the 200,000 active duty soldiers. How many fighters do you estimate there are? A few thousand?

Future

The course that the Philippines is pursuing is to build defense capabilities slowly, within available resources. Specifically, the goal is to acquire equipment. There is plenty of manpower available.

This is a reasonable approach. But what if we paused to reflect on what is happening in the world of military fighting. For brevity, let's note two profound trends in fighting:

• It is a world of missiles in place of cannons and bombs
• It is a world of drones in place of feet on the ground
• In 20 years, it will be a world of laser weapons in place of missiles

Missiles and drones work on land, at sea and in the air. Why should the military structure be of World War II design based on land, water and air equipment, with administrative multipliers to coordinate? Why is there not a single unified "Missile Command" with land vehicles, ships and airplanes being merely a part of the delivery platform - offense or defense - to support that master weapon strategy??

• Like get rid of all the extra layers of  coordination staff and swimming pools and buy missiles.

And drones are powerful, powerful machines. Little ones with cameras, big ones with missiles. Why is the Philippines not leapfrogging past artillery, armored personnel carriers and jets to get to drones? Indeed, we can adjust the name of our force to be the "Missile and Drone Command" or simply "Military Command".

• Like, buy drones instead of jet trainers and cannons. Stop camping troops in the jungle where they are vulnerable to assault.

With advanced missile and drone capabilities, the Philippines can reduce its fighting labor, the troops on the ground. Oh, yes, troops are needed to support the battle plan, or do the drone body counts. But these should be specialized commandos, jungle guys, cave crawlers. Not parade-ground warriors marching all aligned, petty boys making the generals happy (I exaggerate for literary effect). ALL command centers are fully integrated commands, using land, sea or air resources as necessary, all able to order from the same quartermaster, procure from the same procurement center, and talk on the same radio frequency. Like, on the same team. Not patched together by coordination administrators.

• Like, trim the ground troops down to a few companies of hard-nosed commandos who operate under the umbrella of missiles and drones. Mobile, in and out. Well equipped. Lean and mean strike teams. Hard-trained for fighting, not wasted manning checkpoints.

If you need a national police force to fight criminals and help with elections, or a disaster force to rescue people, call them by a different name. Don't call them Army. Call them Federal Police or something.

Army should be the fighting men and women.

It's a pride thing. A focus thing. A motivation thing. A commitment thing. A skill and training thing.

And if your argument is "we have too much invested in the current infrastructure; it is not feasible to take it apart", I would ask.

• Are you really interested in defending the Philippines? Or is it good enough to see this laggardly catch-up go on year after year?

A nation with limited resources cannot compete on a level playing field with the big guys. It has to be smarter, more precise, stronger and meaner. Hit hard, hit fast. In, out, hit again. Like Pacquiao fighting a big guy, you  follow?

I'll elaborate on this in a future blog. Just thinking out loud . . . one hand on the keyboard, the other on the coffee mug . . .