Working With the Armed Forces of the Philippines — A Field Guide

Jungle and Tropical Terrain Operations

The AFP has conducted continuous operations in Philippine jungle terrain since the 1950s. NPA insurgency, Mindanao COIN, and island terrain operations have produced a force with deep expertise in movement through dense vegetation, managing heat and humidity, jungle navigation without GPS, establishing patrol bases, and the unique tactical considerations of tropical warfare. Philippine Army infantry and Scout Ranger units move through terrain that degrades most non-acclimatized forces severely. Watch and learn.

Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)

The Philippines averages roughly 20 typhoons annually, is on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and has extensive earthquake and volcanic hazard. The AFP has more real-world HADR experience than virtually any military in the world. AFP logistics and engineering units have executed mass casualty response, population support, and infrastructure repair operations under conditions that exceed most exercise scenarios. Typhoon Haiyan (2013) response is the reference event — the AFP conducted simultaneous military operations in some areas while executing HADR in others. US forces on HADR-focused exercises with AFP have much to learn.

Population Relations and Local Intelligence

AFP units operating in their home regions have population relationships that are irreplaceable from an intelligence and operational perspective. Scout Ranger units operating in Mindanao areas have multi-generational relationships with local communities that inform their operations in ways no intelligence apparatus can replicate. This population awareness extends to understanding ethnic, religious, and political dynamics at a granular level. US forces on bilateral exercises in areas AFP units know well should actively seek this knowledge from their counterparts.

Small Unit Initiative and Mission Adaptability

AFP small units — particularly in infantry and special operations — operate with significant independence and adaptability compared to what many US service members expect from a less-resourced force. Logistics constraints have produced a culture of making do with available resources. AFP NCOs and junior officers exercise significant tactical initiative. Do not assume the AFP approach to a problem will mirror US doctrine. In many cases, their solution adapted to resource constraints is more operationally elegant than the US doctrinal solution.

Maritime and Island Operations

The Philippine archipelago is 7,641 islands. The AFP operates across maritime and littoral environments as a matter of routine. Philippine Navy and Coast Guard elements, Philippine Marine Corps amphibious operations, and joint maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea represent a specialized expertise in island and littoral warfare that is directly relevant to the current strategic environment. Philippine Marines have extensive real-world amphibious assault and island-hopping operational history.

The Filipino concept of community solidarity — the tradition of neighbors coming together to help each other, embodied in the image of villagers literally lifting and carrying a house to a new location together. In AFP unit culture, this manifests as strong unit cohesion, collective problem-solving, and pride in getting the mission done as a team rather than highlighting individual performance. US service members who plug into this culture — contributing to the collective effort rather than focusing on individual recognition — will integrate far better than those who don't.

The value of smooth interpersonal relationships and group harmony. In a military context, this means AFP officers and NCOs will generally prefer to address problems diplomatically and privately rather than in public confrontation. If you observe something you want to correct in a bilateral exercise context, find a way to do it that preserves face for all parties. A US NCO who publicly embarrasses an AFP NCO in front of their soldiers has made an operational problem for the rest of the exercise.

The Filipino concept of shame or social embarrassment functions as a significant social regulator. Situations that cause hiya — particularly public embarrassment — are handled with care. This does not mean AFP soldiers are fragile; it means the social mechanics of correction work differently. Feedback given privately, constructively, and respectfully lands better and produces better outcomes than direct public criticism, even when the latter might feel natural in a US military context.

A deep sense of obligation and gratitude for favors and assistance. AFP soldiers and officers who receive genuine help, respect, or knowledge from US counterparts will remember it and reciprocate. The bilateral relationship at the personal level operates on this reciprocal dynamic. Show genuine interest, share knowledge freely, receive their knowledge and expertise with respect — these actions build the kind of lasting personal relationships that make bilateral exercises genuinely productive rather than just technically complete.

Filipino military culture has a genuine warmth and often a sharp, self-deprecating humor that can catch US service members off guard — particularly in contrast to the formal hierarchy that coexists with it. AFP soldiers are comfortable joking around off-duty in ways that mix freely with genuine military professionalism. Laugh with them. Do not mistake informality off-duty for lack of professionalism on-duty. The switch between the two is faster than you expect.