Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii - Officers attending the Armed Forces of the Philippines Command and General Staff College (AFP CGSC) were able to learn about the mission of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command during a visit to Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Sept. 1.

The 94th AAMDC staff met with the Filipino officers to discuss integrated air missile defense in the Pacific and provide an overview of how the 94th AAMDC supports U.S. Pacific Command, U.S. Army Pacific and Pacific Air Force by providing joint and combined theater air and missile defense throughout the Asia? Pacific region. The brief included the roles of the 94th AAMDC commanding general, mission command, a break-down of regional air and missile defense assets, theater security cooperation, and the way ahead.

"The purpose [of the brief] was to facilitate discussion on IAMD with the Armed Forces of the Philippines [command and general staff college delegation] and 94th AAMDC in support of the significant interest from the Philippine Army in building air defense capabilities. We also took the opportunity to stress the importance of the Philippines in the theater and to set conditions for a future trip to the Philippines by the CG [commanding general]," explains Capt. Cameron Smith, strategic plans (G5) planning officer, 94th AAMDC.

"Briefs to large partner audiences are important, because they inform and build relationships with the future senior leaders of our allied forces," continues Smith. "The Philippines Armed Forces gained insight into U.S. IAMD combined and joint operations and the 94th AAMDC was able to socialize the importance of relationships, exemplified by the CG's future visit to the Philippines which sets the course for the next several years of engagements."

The Filipino officers were very appreciative of the brief and remained engaged throughout the talk, asking informed and straightforward questions on ballistic missile threats and the U.S. ability to counter the numerous threats in the Pacific region.

"We learned that the 94th is going to promote integrated air and missile defense with all of the stakeholders in the Asia Pacific and is including all of the friendly countries in their planning; including my country, the Philippines, which is a good thing to hear," shares Col. Cheston D. Valencerina, head of the academic center for the AFP CGSC.

Briefs to allied forces are important in strengthening relationships, informing our allies of available capabilities and reinforcing our commitment to military partnerships and theater security cooperation efforts.

The CGSC students will be able to share their new found knowledge on integrated air and missile defense with their leadership and other members of the Philippines Armed Forces upon their return to the schoolhouse.

Valencerina agrees with Smith and believes this briefing is a valuable tool which will not only help the students in their military career but will also have a positive impact for the defense of his country.

"This briefing on missile defense systems was really great," expresses Valencerina. "As you know we [the Philippines] are moving forward to acquire a missile defense system so that we have a credible missile defense.

"The students of the Command and General Staff College will benefit greatly from this briefing and they will eventually become the senior officers of our armed forces which will also benefit the Armed Forces of the Philippines."

As a treaty ally and strategically significant location bordering the South China Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is crucial to long-term IAMD force posture, which is mutually beneficial to the United States and its Pacific region allies.

"The Philippines gains IAMD support and information to assist in their development of air defense capability from the 94th AAMDC. The 94th AAMDC gains crucial strategic access and strengthens the overall IAMD coalition," states Smith.