AN Air Force reservist leader is looking forward to the conduct of joint training and exchange programs between Filipino reservists and their US counterparts.
Col. Mikee Romero, chairman of the Association of Reservists and Reserve Officers of the Philippines, made the statement after a recent meeting with Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Romero said his talk with Caine was a big step towards strengthening the cooperation between US citizen-soldiers and the AFP’s reserve force.
Romero expressed confidence that the military’s reserve force can enhance its own humanitarian and disaster-response coordination with the Americans.
Romero said he is looking forward to training and exchange programs with their US counterparts to bolster their capability to respond to disasters.
Military reservists are deployed for various missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response or HADR operations during calamities.
Romero and Caine emphasized the importance played by the two sides in addressing modern-day security and humanitarian challenges.
The two met on the sidelines of the 147th National Guard Association of the United States General Assembly and Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Caine was a keynote speaker.
Romero was among the 25 members of the Philippine delegation that attended the assembly, held from August 22 to 25.
Caine expressed his intent to visit the Philippines someday, delighting the Philippine delegation.
Caine assumed the post of chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff last April. Before that, he was the Associate Director for Military Affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency.
Romero and his fellow reservists have taken part in recent relief missions in Bulacan, where they provided aid to some 7,500 people displaced by tropical storm Crising.
Romero, a former House senior deputy speaker and vice chairman of the bicameral conference committee, was instrumental in securing funding for the acquisition of three C-130s for the Air Force.
These aircraft, which are due for delivery next year and in 2017, are considered critical assets in the conduct of operations, including tactical and disaster missions. – Victor Reyes
