Marine, Philippine pilots face off in mock combat

This article appeared in the "Okinawa Marine" earlier this month.

Lance Cpl. Tyler J. Hlavac

CLARK AIR BASE, Republic of the Philippines (November 2, 2007) -- The skies over the Philippines were an open forum for the exchange of ideas Oct. 24 as Philippine Air Force and Marine pilots executed their skills in basic fighter maneuvers.

The dog fight, as it is often called, involved Marine pilots from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 and pilots from the Philippine Air Force's 5th Tactical Fighter Group, 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

The training was part of exercise Talon Vision, an annual bi-lateral exercise to enhance the cooperative abilities of U.S. and Philippine forces to promote peace and stability in the region.

The Marines, piloting their F/A-18 Hornets, flew a mock combat engagement with the Philippine pilots who flew the Aermacchi S-211 military trainer jet. The training involved two Marine pilots facing off against two PAF pilots.

The pilots used training scenarios to evaluate their aircraft and their own piloting skills.

"Today was one of the first times we have really conducted bi-lateral training with the Marines," said Philippine Air Force Maj. Manuel Demaclid, a flight examiner with the 5th Tactical Fighter Group. "We focused a lot on air-to-air combat and we also conducted bombing runs in Crow Valley. In addition to extra flying time, the dog fight with the Marines taught us how to fight and deal with different types of aircraft from different countries."

Though the older and smaller S-211s were at a distinct disadvantage against the advanced platform of the F/A-18, it did not stop the PAF pilots from putting everything they had into the training.

"Going up against the Marine F/A-18's with our own trainer jets, we learned to make do with what we have. Training against a harder opponent makes you a better pilot and vastly increases your skill level," said Demaclid.

Though one of the primary purposes of the engagement was for Marine pilots to assist the PAF in developing their skills and procedures for air-to-air combat, the information exchange went both ways.

"Anytime you go flying, you always learn something," said Marine Capt. Casey Dalton, a VMFA-312 pilot. "After conducting the air maneuvers, both groups of pilots spent time discussing each portion of the flight. We discussed everything from our own personal mindsets and maneuvers to where and when we placed our aircraft."

Dalton said the briefs provided an excellent forum for each side to explain why they made the decisions they did in the air, and Dalton added, it was the tenacity of the PAF pilots that he found most impressive.

"The Philippine pilots definitely know how to use their planes and how to push their aircraft to the limit," said Dalton. "The Philippine pilots taught us that if you're facing an opponent who has a superior aircraft, you have to really know your plane and your own skills to achieve victory."

Demaclid said that he and his fellow Filipino pilots look forward to training with the Marines in the future.

"Working with the Marines was a valuable, great experience, and I definitely look forward to working with them again," he said.

Then, with a grin, he admitted he was a bit envious of the Hornet's capabilities.

"I hope next year the Marines think about leaving the F/A-18's with us after they leave," he said.