Philippine Marine Staff Sgt. Calixton J. Deatras demonstrates how to make a fire using dry bamboo during basic jungle survival training April 8 at Camp O'Donnell, Philippines. Bamboo, a common plant found in the Asian-Pacific region, has a multitude of uses, which can help the Marines survive, said Deatras.


Philippine Marines Staff Sgt. Renante Armamento, a Davao City native and close quarters martial arts instructor, and Staff Sgt. Ernesto Elijan Jr., a Ternate Cavite city native and close quarters martial arts instructor, demonstrate defensive tactics technique to U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, April 10, during a martial arts bilateral expertise exchange at Crow Valley, Philippines, as part of Balikatan 2013, an annual bilateral training exercise currently in its 29th iteration. BK13 is designed to enhance interoperability between both forces and strengthen military-to-military relations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn) Public Domain


CAMP O’DONNELL, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines Marines conduct tactical drills April 7 during convoy operations training at Camp O’Donnell, Philippines, as part of exercise Balikatan 2013. BK13 is an annual bilateral exercise in its 29th iteration, which provides a venue for AFP and U.S. military forces to develop and continue to enhance interoperability across a wide range of military actions. “The Marines went over convoy operations regarding logistics,” said U.S. Marine 2nd Lt. Stephen M. Rondone, the officer in charge of SMU customer service, Logistics Regiments 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “They received instruction regarding vehicle recovery, resupply missions, responding to near and far ambushes, and dismount and mounted integration.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Courtney G. White/Released)


CAMP O’DONNELL, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. Marines conduct convoy operations training April 7 at Camp O’Donnell, Philippines, as part of exercise Balikatan 2013. The training began with U.S. Marines instructing on Marine Corps techniques and was followed by the Philippine Marines instructing on their techniques. BK13 is an annual bilateral exercise in its 29th iteration, which provides a venue for AFP and U.S. military forces to develop and continue to enhance interoperability across a wide range of military actions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Courtney G. White/Released)