ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. — Five soldiers from the Rock Island Arsenal will be the next group deployed to the Philippines in March. The team will spend six to nine months there helping to advise and train the Philippine Army which has been actively fighting an Islamic insurgency for years. The mission also looks to strengthen relations with the ally country.
On Sunday, February 4, the team was honored with a deployment ceremony.
"We're ready," said Team Leader Captain Simon Lee. "We look forward to this mission, we have big shoes to fill."
Captain Lee says the previous teams have helped tremendously in preparing his group for the cultural differences they can expect.
This will be Captain Lee's first trip to the Philippines. It's one he's excited, yet cautious for.
"There's always risk and there's always threats," Captain Lee said. "In the southern islands of Mindanao in the Philippines there are still Islamist extremists. There has been attacks as recent as a few months ago."
"We've been preparing for the last year with nonstop training, and just going through the motions of advising and learning how to work with partner forces," said Sergeant First Class Dalton Bryant.
Bryant added it's important to keep good relations with allies and to continue these partnerships in the future.