150 Army troopers undergo ‘med evac’ training under ‘Bayanihan’

It’s a jungle out there.

For the past days, 150 Filipino soldiers in Zamboanga City have been going back to basics in the classrooms under the instruction of American Green Berets, whose expertise is guerrilla warfare.

Yesterday, for the second time, they went out to the field and this time got a taste of the real jungle.

With their other comrades observing them, about 50 soldiers were taught how to evacuate a wounded soldier while under fire from supposed hostile forces.

Maj. Kevin Coyler, US military training staff director of the exercises, said the objective of the exercise is to minimize the number of casualties.

"This will enhance the troops’ capability. This type of training will also help wounded soldiers who will have a quick medical evaluation," he said.

Observers from various Philippine Army divisions attended the exercise. Later on, they will teach what they have learned when they return to their respective units, said staff trainer Col. Ricardo Brilliantes of the Philippine military.

Filipino soldiers were taught the proper way to carry and evacuate the wounded from a combat area while being fired upon.

"We have to see to it that our wounded companions will not be hurt anymore. They have had enough," one American military adviser said.

The Americans also taught the Filipinos how to make improvised stretchers from their uniforms.

About 70 US Green Berets are on a six-month mission in Zamboanga City to train the Philippine military. The exercises, dubbed "Bayanihan," is part of Washington’s $25-million long-term security program for the Philippines.

About 200 other US troops are currently on a humanitarian mission also in Zamboanga City.