capability of the 300th air intelligence and security group in the context of territorial defense
DESCRIPTION
CAPABILITY OF THE 300TH AIR INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY GROUP IN THE CONTEXT OF TERRITORIAL DEFENSETRANSCRIPT
1
CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING
A. Background of the Study
Article II Section 3 of the Philippine Constitution states that the
“Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and
the State” (Philippine Constitution 1987). As such, the AFP plays an
important role in maintaining peace and order situation and in
defending the nation not only from internal, but also from external
threats.
Currently, the AFP is confronting the Local Communist
Movement (LCM), the Southern Philippines Secessionist Group
(SPSG), the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other emerging threats like
terrorism. However, with the anticipated winding down of internal
security concerns caused by the crushing of the ASG, the
downgrading of the LCM into a law enforcement concern, the
resumption of the GRP-MILF peace talks, and the complete
implementation of the peace agreements between the government
and the MNLF by 2010, capability development for Territorial
Defense shall become the main priority over the course of the 2011-
2016 medium term period (DPG 2011-2016). Although, the AFP has
not fully met the deadline to finish the LCM problem, it has
significantly reduced its strength and the movement as a whole.
2
Given these parameters, the AFP is now set to focus on the
Territorial Defense of our country. However, the biggest question remains to
be “whether the different units of the AFP have the capability to undertake
such arduous task”. It is therefore the thrust of this paper to address such
issue, in particular the 300 AISG. But first, it would be best to look at the
definition of territorial defense, the historical background and the geopolitical
environment of the study.
1. What is Territorial Defense?
Two military scholars Adam Roberts and Horst Mendershausen
presented a good overview on the nature and characteristics of Territorial
Defense. In his book entitled Nations in Arms: the Theory and Practice of
Territorial Defense, Adam Roberts (1976) observed that territorial defense is
based “not on retaliation against foreign countries by total destruction, but
rather on making one’s own territory and people hard to conquer” (p.7). While
he noted the difficulty of defining the term, he believed that the clearest
definition of territorial defense is that it “is a system of defense in depth; it is
the governmentally-organized defense of a state’s own-territory, conducted on
its own territory” (p.34).
Roberts argued that the main concept of territorial defense is to
prepare the military and the civil population so that they can “wage a struggle
3
in depth using various means of combat, including if need be guerrilla
warfare”. Roberts highlighted the role of the military by saying:
Territorial defense…facilitates the control of military power by virtue of the following characteristics. First, it reduces the distinction between army and people, and the danger of a military coup d’etat. Secondly, it is a manifestly defensive system, plainly unsuited to attack and therefore not likely to be perceived as a threat by other states or to lead to arms races. Thirdly, it does not rely on strategic bombing in general or nuclear weapons in particular, and thus constitutes a possible alternative to the possible proliferation and ultimately probable use of such weapons. Fourthly, it enables states to rely on their own forces rather than get tangled up in alliances which can easily degenerate into forms of domination.
Roberts also believed that the air force plays an important role in
territorial defense. He posited that “it may be a logical conclusion that a
territorial defense system might need to be reinforced by an air force” (p.226).
Roberts pointed out to the significant role of air power in gathering military
intelligence, the role of air force in transporting supplies, and the role of the air
force in direct air strike. Roberts also said that the air force will help territorial
defense by “exposing any aggressor forces to observation and air attack”. He
added that “if it could deny control of the air to the enemy, it would allow
defending units greater freedom of mobilization, movement and concentration,
which could be particularly crucial in a country which offers little natural
cover”.
In the same manner, Horst Mendershausen (1980) in his book entitled
Reflections on Territorial Defense argued that the most important military
characteristics of a TD posture is that “it concentrates on the defense of one’s
4
territory against attacking foreign forces, and on the deterrence of attacks on
the territory” (p.3). He opined that it would also be correct to say that “a
country stressing territorial defense as a rule wishes to impress other states
with the fact that it offers no threat to their territorial integrity, although it does
of course threaten the forces of an invader” (p.4). Just like Roberts,
Mendershausen also believed that the key to success of the territorial defense
lies on the good relationship between the civil and military entities through a
strong civil defense program of the military. This relationship has been
adequately termed by Roberts as “the civilianization of the army and the
militarization of society” (Roberts, 1976, p. 15).
In the Philippine experience, Republic Act 7879 defined Territorial
Defense as “to secure the country from direct armed aggression or invasion”.
And since the military is mandated by the Philippine Constitution to uphold
national security, the task of Territorial Defense, therefore, lies on the different
branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This task took several
historical events which will be the main focus of the succeeding paragraphs.
2. Historical Background
The Philippines became part of the Spanish colonial government for
more than three centuries, under the American hegemony for more than three
decades, and under the Japanese military control for more than three years.
The Filipinos’ fight for independence and national security took several stages
from the Philippine Revolution of 1896, the Philippine-American War of 1899,
5
to World War II in 1941. Even if the Philippines was recognized as an
independent state after the Second World War, internal and external threats
to national security that impinge the national and territorial integrity was not
totally eliminated. The Philippines’ strategic location enabled the land to
become vulnerable to possible conflict among superpowers and neighboring
countries.
While the Philippines was still under the Spanish colonial government,
there were already incursions from the Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and
British. The Spanish government together with the Filipino natives was able to
quell such threats. When the Americans assumed power over the land, there
were also threats especially from the Japanese. The Americans together with
the Filipinos were able to withstand the threats. When the Philippines became
an independent state on July 4, 1946, the duty to defend the national territory
was turned over to the Philippine government. Thus, securing the land
became a sole responsibility of the Filipino people.
However, with the presence of economic and military interest of the US
in the country, agreements and treaties were signed for the continued alliance
of the two countries in relation to the defense of the country. But, when the
military bases agreement was terminated in 1991, the US lessens also its
support to the government particularly to the military. Thus, with the
ratification of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the RP-US relations have
improved and security of the country was one of the major concerns. Although
6
the US government is helping in the military training and procurement of some
military equipment, the bulk of the responsibility of defending and securing the
whole archipelago now rest not only on the military but also on the Filipino
people.
3. Geopolitical Environment
The Philippines is part of the Southeast Asian region composed of
Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is an archipelago consisting of more
than 7,000 islands and is bounded by the South China Sea on the West, the
Pacific Ocean on the East, the Celebes Sea on the South. It has a land area
of 114,830 square statute miles and has an irregular coastline that extends to
about 10,850 statute miles (Agoncillo 1990).
The Philippine national territory as stated in Article 1 of the Constitution
comprises “all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other
territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or jurisdiction, consisting
of the terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, including its territorial sea,
seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The
waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the archipelago,
regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form part of the internal waters of
the Philippines” (Philippine Constitution 1987). The strategic location of the
Philippines, with its proximity to three major economic water thoroughfares:
Pacific, Indian, and South China Sea had prompted the different superpowers
7
to take control of the land while its proximity to other Asian nations contributed
to numerous territorial conflicts.
Below is a list of interisland conflict within the Southeast Asian region
that had been existing since the colonial years.
Table 1. Territorial Disputes in Southeast Asia
Disputants Disputes Current Intensity
Vietnam-China
Vietnam-Cambodia
Vietnam-Philippines
Thailand-Cambodia
Thailand-Myanmar
Thailand-Laos
Thailand-Malaysia
Indonesia-Malaysia
Malaysia-China
Philippines-Malaysia
Philippines-China
Singapore-Malaysia
Marine (South China Sea)
Border and Marine (Gulf of Thailand)
Marine (Spratlys)
Border and Marine
Border
Border
Border
Border and Marine (Ligitan & Sipadan)
Marine (Spratlys)
Border (Sabah) and marine
Marine (Spratlys)
Marine (Spratlys)
Mediate
Mediate
Mediate
Mediate
Mediate
Low
Mediate
Mediate
Mediate
Mediate
High
Low
Source: Wang, 2003
The table above shows that most of the conflicts are caused by
territorial borders. As Jianwei Wang said, territorial disputes tend to be a
serious issue not only in Southeast Asia alone but the whole Asian region.
Furthermore, he said that some of the disputes are as old as human history
(Wang 2003). Although most of the disputes are currently mediated, the threat
remains to be present. And these threats created a need to strengthen its
defense in securing the borders as well as in deterring possible outside
incursions.
4. External Threats
8
Aside from the internal threats from the Local Communist
Movement (LCM), the Southern Philippine Secessionist Group (SPSG), and
the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the Philippines is also confronted with external
threats as shown above.
The Spratlys is one of the major concerns of the government that
needs to be addressed. As DND Spokesperson Eduardo Batac related during
an interview with reporters, as quoted in the article of Katherine Evangelista in
the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated 12 August 2010, (Evangelista, Gov’t urged)
“If the country wants to be taken seriously in its claim on the Spratly Islands,
the government must beef up security forces in the area”. Batac added that “If
you don’t have an armed forces that can defend a position which our country
will take on, then it’s useless to laying claim for example to any interest in the
Spratlys. He then posed a challenged by saying “what happens if you do find
a big oil reserve in those areas? Can you just say na ‘amin yan’ [that’s ours]
and not back it up with an armed force?”. Batac was mindful of the presence
of existing agreements between countries claiming ownership over Spratlys,
believed to have a vast amount of oil reserves, but he believed that the role of
the military is crucial in claiming the area. However, he opined that aside from
augmenting security forces, amendments to existing laws must be made not
just in terms of diplomacy but also of strengthening the military’s position
taking into consideration the county’s interest and situation”.
9
Due to the overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea, we
can not discount the possibility of military confrontations with neighboring
countries around the area. This is also true with the overlapping claims over
the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) gave the Philippines the right to explore and
exploit the marine resources within the EEZ. Thus, the AFP faced the
challenge of protecting the vast marine resources of the country. Statistics
shows that the total economic loss from illegal activities at sea has been
estimated at P40 billion annually, including 600,000 metric tons of fish worth
P15 billion, with the remainder made up of coral destruction, income foregone
for local fishermen, illegal trade and unrealized tourism earnings (AFP NMS
2002).
The AFP is also watchful of the possible destabilization around the
region such as the Korean Peninsula conflict and the Cross-Straits conflict
between China and Taiwan, and the ongoing political and economic turmoil in
Indonesia. Other concerns that threaten external security are the proliferation
of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the region, the emergence of
organized crime groups, and international terrorism.
In these kinds of threats, the role of intelligence units becomes crucial
in gathering vital information. The ability to gather information about possible
actions of outside elements and the capability to detect possible incursions
lies in the hands of the intelligence units. In the Philippine Air Force, the main
10
unit responsible for this undertaking is the 300th Air Intelligence and Security
Group (AISG).
One of the important functions of the 300th AISG is the regular conduct
of Air Reconnaissance over the highly contested areas in the Spratlys. Using
the lone TC690A Aero Commander aircraft which is unfortunately still in
Taiwan since 30 June 2009 undergoing Inspection Repair As Necessary
(IRAN), the unit is mandated to perform aerial reconnaissance in the Spratlys
at least twice a year. This is an important undertaking since it provides the
military and political leaders regular updates on the different activities in the
area particularly the physical developments of structures by the different
claimant countries. Through the fully interpreted aerial photographs taken by
the unit, it can be seen that the physical structures of our neighboring
countries are regularly been improved particularly in terms of security
postures.
On the other hand, the 300th AISG supports the different tactical units
in the field in the ISO campaign through the conduct of Aerial reconnaissance
missions. The photographs taken over the enemy lairs help the unit
commanders in their decision making thus minimizing casualties and
increasing the success of operations. Indeed, the information gathered and
acquired from surveillance and reconnaissance, converted into intelligence by
exploitation and analysis, had been used and been very helpful not only by
the PAF and the AFP in general, but by other government and non-
11
governmental agencies to formulate strategy, policy, and plans; to develop
and conduct campaigns; to guide acquisition of future capabilities; and to
protect, prevent, and prevail against threats and aggression aimed at the
Philippines and its interests (U.S. Air Force Doctrine Document 2-9 17July
2007).
This contribution of the 300th AISG in safeguarding the security of our
country is so important that without the timely and accurate intelligence, top
military officers and civilian leaders will not be given first hand information for
effective decision making. On the tactical level, no successful operations in
land and in sea could be accomplished without intelligence.
B. Statement of the Problem
Currently, the AFP is on the stage of reducing the CTM into an
inconsequential level in order to concentrate on Territorial Defense. In fact,
there are areas which were already turned over to the Philippine National
Police (PNP) to jumpstart the process of slowly empowering the PNP in the
ISO campaign. Hence, with its role in the Territorial Defense of our country
particularly in the highly contested areas in the Spratlys, the AFP with its three
(3) major services has to prepare for this undertaking.
As the unit in the PAF responsible for the conduct of Air
Reconnaissance patrols all over the country, the 300th AISG can contribute
much in this endeavor of the AFP in safeguarding the Philippine territory and
12
upholding territorial integrity. It is in this light that this study attempts to answer
the main question: How responsive is the 300th ASG in performing its role
once the AFP focuses on Territorial Defense? Moreover, this paper will
endeavor to answer the following questions:
1. How responsive is the present capability of the 300th AISG to the
ISO campaign of the AFP?
2. How capable is the 300th AISG in accomplishing its task in
relation to Territorial Defense?
3. How can the 300th AISG attain the desired Territorial Defense
capability?
C. Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to examine the capability of the 300th
ASG in undertaking its role in relation to the AFP’s program of shifting from
Internal Security Operations to Territorial Defense. Specifically, the present
study has the following objectives:
1. To assess the present capability of the 300th AISG in the ISO
campaign of the AFP;
2. To determine the present capability of 300th AISG in preparation
for the AFP’s shift to TD; and
3. To determine what could be done for the 300th AISG attain the
desired territorial defense capability.
D. Significance of the Study
13
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is tasked to secure the national
territory which comprises the “terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains, including
its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other
submarine areas” (Philippine Constitution, 1987). The Philippine Air Force
(PAF) in particular is mandated to protect the aerial domains of our skies from
all forms of threats both internal and external. The Philippines being an
archipelagic country is difficult to monitor because of its porous and
unprotected borders.
On the other hand, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA)
commanded the AFP to bring the Communist Terrorist Movement into an
inconsequential level before the end of her term in 2010. This was highlighted
with the guidance from the DND for the AFP to develop its capability for
Territorial Defense from 2011-2016 with the assumption that all these threats
are now considered as law enforcement concerns. Given the timetable when
the shift will be fully implemented, there is really a need to prepare for the
AFP to focus on the Territorial Defense of our country. However, the capability
to conduct effective internal security operations shall continue to be one of the
AFP’s top priorities for the medium term period even though the main thrust
has shifted to Territorial Defense. The improved capability to conduct effective
internal security operations, supported by the development of comprehensive,
vigorous yet adaptable capabilities to meet all potential threats, is the basic
building block for developing Territorial Defense capabilities (2011-2016
Defense Planning Guidance).
14
Therefore, this study is significant because it will determine whether the
300th AISG with its present capability would be able to perform its role once
the AFP shifts its focus from the traditional Internal Security Operations
campaign to Territorial Defense operations. Specifically, this study is
significant to the following stakeholders:
The Department of National Defense- this will provide the planners
and policy makers at the defense department the idea of developing policies
and concepts about Territorial Defense of our country.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines- this will provide the AFP
leadership the urgency to develop its capability in order to accomplish its
mandate of securing the sovereignty of the state and the integrity of the
national territory.
The Philippine Air Force- this paper will enlighten the PAF leadership
of the present state of the 300th AISG that will help policy makers in the
promulgation of new directives and new rules in relation to Territorial Defense.
The 300th AISG, PAF- this will provide the members of the unit an idea
about the sensitivity and importance of the unit’s role in the overall territorial
defense effort of the AFP as well as the present problems and issues that
need to be addressed in relation to its territorial defense mandate.
15
The AFP training institutions- this paper can be an important source
of information and reference to future studies about the subject.
The Filipino People- the true beneficiaries of this study will be the
Filipino people whom the AFP is mandated to serve and protect since the new
role of the AFP in relation to Territorial Defense is to work closer to the
people.
E. Scope and Limitations
Whereas the whole AFP is mandated to prepare for the shift of its role
from ISO to Territorial Defense, this paper will focus only on the role of the
300th AISG as a subordinate unit of the Philippine Air Force. In particular, it
will analyze the present capabilities of the 300th AISG in determining its
readiness to perform a more challenging role in the preservation of national
and territorial integrity.
Since the unit being studied is an intelligence unit, there was an
imminent problem in procuring some of the documents because there are
written and valuable sources that are highly restricted and confidential.
However, all available means were exhausted to get valuable information so
as not to jeopardize the quality and outcome of the research. Likewise, this
paper relied on the available materials found in the different units, offices and
libraries within the different units of the AFP. Furthermore, the absence of
16
ample materials related to the topic limited this paper to review mostly
unpublished but credible literatures, particularly Commandant’s papers from
the Command and General Staff College and MNSA although it utilized also
some important books related to Territorial Defense and Security.
F. Definition of Terms
The terms below are important in understanding the role of the 300 th
AISG in relation to territorial defense operations. Thus, in order to give
direction in perusing this paper, a standard definition is given based on the
AFP manuals, documents, research papers and related topics.
Air Intelligence- Knowledge resulting from the collection, evaluation,
analysis integration, and interpretation of all available information which
concerns one or more aspects of foreign nations or areas of operations and
which is immediately or potentially significant to the Air Force.
Air Reconnaissance - reconnaissance undertaken with an airplane or
other aircraft to secure about the enemy, or about the terrain or weather, by
visual observation, aerial photography, or electronics methods. (Manalo,2009,
p.16).
Intelligence - is the product resulting from the collection, processing,
integration, evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of available information
concerning foreign nations, hostile or potentially hostile forces or elements
to include insurgent forces, or areas of actual or potential operations.(JIC
Manual 2008, p.1-1,)
17
Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) - integrated
capabilities to collect, process, exploit and disseminate accurate and timely
information that provides battle space awareness necessary to successfully
plan and conduct operations (Manalo, p.17)
Reconnaissance - is a mission undertaken to obtain, by visual
observation or other detection methods, information about the activities
and resources of an enemy or potential enemy, or to secure data concerning
the meteorological, hydrographic, or geographic characteristics of a particular
area” (USAF DD 2-9).
Surveillance - is the systematic observation of aerospace, surface or
subsurface areas, places, persons, or things, by visual, aural, electronic,
photographic or other means.” (USAF DD 2-9)
Territorial Defense- actions taken by the government of the Republic
of the Philippines to maintain the integrity of its national territory, including its
waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and secure its sovereignty
against external threats such as invasion.(Talja, 2010, p.26)
18
CHAPTER 2
Review of Related Literatures
With the policy statement from former President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo stating that the AFP should end the CTM in 2010 thereby shifting from
internal security operation to territorial defense, the different branches of the
Armed Forces are now moving towards that direction. Thus, some studies had
focused their attention on the capability of the AFP to undertake such
scrupulous and arduous task.
A. Local Literatures and Studies
The mandatory task of the AFP in upholding territorial integrity and in
defending national security is stated in the highest law of the land, the
Philippine Constitution. Hence, the 1987 Constitution is a valuable document
that should be considered in relation to territorial defense. Article II Sec 3
states that the Armed Forces is the protector of the people and of the State
and its goal is to secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the
national territory which is defined in Article 1.
Another major document that is essential in this study is the 2002
National Military Strategy manual which contains the strategic environment,
national military objectives, elements of strategy and strategic concepts, and
19
the forces required. It is stated in the manual that “the AFP must be able to
identify challenges that call for action amidst opportunities and constraints that
limit the range of freedom of responses” (p.3). This document lays the ground
for the operational strategy of the different branches of the AFP within and
outside the country. It not only serve as a manual for military strategy, but it
gives the military a background of the occurrences in their surroundings
making them understand better their role as defender of the people and of the
national territory.
However, in relation to territorial defense, the latest and most
comprehensive study being undertaken was that of LTC Elpidio Talja’s PAF
(March 2010). Talja’s Commandant’s paper entitled The RP Territorial
Defense Strategy: A Philippine Air Force Perspective, in particular, examines
the Philippine Air Force’s preparedness, capability, and responsiveness to
perform its duty of protecting and securing the territorial integrity and
upholding the sovereignty of the country. Talja noted in his paper that
although territorial defense has been part of the present military mission, even
the Department of National Defense does not have a clear definition of the
concept.
Thus, Talja gave his own definition of territorial defense as “actions
taken by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and its Armed
Forces to maintain the integrity of its national territory including its territorial
waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and secure its sovereignty
20
against its external threats such as invasion” (p.26). Talja believed that the
Philippine Air Force’s concept of territorial defense as merely external defense
implemented through the Philippine Air Defense System must be changed
“due to lack of platforms and equipment to implement it”.
In his final analysis, Talja argued that the PAF is not responsive to the
present and more so with the future security challenges that the country will
encounter. The reasons given for the limited capacity of the PAF to undertake
territorial defense were the deteriorating status of some aircrafts and the
conditions of detection equipment as well as the status of the assets and
resources. Talja, therefore, made the following recommendations: expedite
AFP Modernization Program which unfortunately has expired in June 2010,
enhance and upgrade the Philippine Air Defense System (PADS),
incorporation of territorial defense concept in policy framework, and convince
policy makers to allocate more budget to territorial defense.
Another research related to the paper of Talja was the work of Ms.
Angelica Andrada in 2009. While Talja focused on the general capability of
the PAF in relation to Territorial Defense, Andrada’s work is more specific.
Her paper entitled “An Assessment of the PAF Material Capability for
Territorial Defense” is aimed at identifying the current and required material
capability and the resulting gaps and shortfalls of the PAF for Territorial
Defense. Andrada concluded that the PAF has an extremely inadequate
21
material capability to conduct the mission area for Territorial Defense,
thus, she proposed the following recommendations:
That PAF should adopt capability based planning. This should require
the PAF to have an awareness and knowledge of what really is needed to
effectively defend a country, with or without the presence of a threat. This
requires the procurement and development of the following: Radars, Aircraft
and Command and Control.
In conclusion, Andrada said that “the ability of the PAF to defend our
Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty is severely compromised by their
inadequate materiel capability. She added that this concern should be
addressed and ameliorated in view of our highly uncertain and volatile
security environment. The relevance of adopting a strategic approach for PAF
capability development underscores their need for transformation from air
inferiority to air parity- full mission capable and effective in the conduct of
territorial Defense”.
The Philippines is an archipelagic country which means that it is
surrounded by bodies of water. This nature automatically results to having
bodies of waters as borders relative to its neighboring countries. Thus, the
research done by LTC Estanislao Manalo PAF (March 2009) which focused
on the participation of the Philippine Air Force in guarding these coastal
boundaries, is also an important contribution to the study of territorial defense.
Entitled Philippine Air Force Participation in Coast Watch System (CWS), it
22
assessed the air maritime operations capability of the Philippine Air Force
emphasizing on air surveillance and air interdiction/maritime strike capability
in support of the Coastal Watch South System.
In his final analysis, Manalo argued that the PAF’s current capability is
not responsive to support the CWS for its air maritime operations, specifically,
its air maritime surveillance. This is due to lack of aircraft and necessary
equipment for that specific purpose. However, the PAF can provide support
on a limited capacity in relation to air interdiction/maritime strike against a
hostile vessels as well as rescue operations. Manalo believed that there was
a need for increased government’s support in order for the PAF to help
support the needs of the CWS. Thus, Manalo recommended the following: to
expedite the Inspection and Repair as Necessary (IRAN) of the Aero
commander TC 690A; to let PAF capitalize on the air operation support; to let
PAF find ways on how to expedite procurement of new equipment; to let PAF
formulate Air Maritime Doctrines; and to send personnel abroad for training on
Coast Watchers Course.
Another interesting paper to look into is the “Empowering a New Era in
the United States-Philippines Security Alliance” written by Renato C. De
Castro and Walter Lohman on June 28, 2010 which states that ”the
Philippines occupies a key strategic location on the edge of China’s first island
chain of defense, an area delineating China’s area of greatest maritime
interest and encompassing its expansive territorial claims in the South China
23
Sea”. De Castro and Lohman said that the Chinese claims threaten freedom
of navigation through those seas, U.S Navy operations, and the Philippines,
which has conflicting territorial claims. They added that the Philippines is ill
equipped to assert a credible defense of its territorial claims or to contribute to
the security of international waterways.
Thus, they concluded that the U.S. should assist the Philippines in
developing its capacity for territorial defense while continuing its effort to fight
internal insurgencies. They added that the U.S. should intensify its diplomatic
and bilateral as well as military engagement with the Philippines to impress
upon its allies and the whole region that the U.S will remain a Pacific power
and that it will remain Philippines’ principal ally.
The AFP Multi-Year Capability Upgrade Program (AFPCUP) under the
Philippine Defense Reform Program which aimed to improve the capability of
the AFP within an 18-year period is also worth noting in relation to this study.
It stated that for the first six (6) years, the AFP shall spend P5 Billion each
year for a total of P30 B on enhancing the capabilities in the conduct of ISO.
For the second six (6) years, the AFP is earmarked with P10 B annually or
P60B for the transition phase from ISO to TD while the third six (6) years will
be provided with a P20B each year for a total of P120 B for the last six years
focusing on TD and peace keeping operations. However, the AFPCUP’s
increasing proposed spending is not automatic but premised on the
assumption of a much improved Philippine economy.
24
Among the studies being mentioned, the works of Talja, Manalo, and
Andrada have a direct link with and have contributed much in this paper
because they also discussed the capability of specific units in the military.
While they focused on a macroscopic level, this paper focused on a
microscopic level.
B. International Publications
In order to have a wider perspective on the nature and characteristics
of territorial defense, other sources focusing on the Territorial Defense in
other countries were also scrutinized.
In the book entitled Nations in Arms: the Theory and Practice of
Territorial Defense, Adam Roberts (1976) sees the difficulty of defining the
term, but he was able to give an extensive definition. He defined territorial
defense as “a system of defense in depth; it is the governmentally-organized
defense of a state’s own-territory, conducted on its own territory … it is a form
of defense strategy which has important organizational implications, being
liable to involve substantial reliance on a citizen army, including local units of
a militia type. (p.34). The book is very compelling because although he
focused on the European setting, he made mention of some countries in Asia
like China, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and even the Philippines. His book
has the most extensive discussion in relation to the nature, the problems and
limits as well as the theoretical and conceptual framework of territorial
defense.
25
In relation to the nature and character of Territorial Defense, the work
of Horst Mendershausen entitled Reflections on Territorial Defense
(Mendershausen 1980) is very useful in understanding the concept of
territorial defense and in expounding this study. Mendershausen focused his
analysis on territorial defense in some European Countries who have adopted
a territorial defense posture namely: Switzerland, Sweden, Norway,
Yugoslavia and Germany. He argued that the most important military
characteristics of a Territorial Defense posture is that it concentrates on the
defense of one’s territory against attacking foreign forces, and on the
deterrence of attacks on the territory.
Menderhausen further argued that the territorial defense forces
“although strategically passive, are by no means passive in a tactical sense”.
He also stressed that a country focusing on territorial defense “wishes to
impress” other states that it has territorial integrity, although it does
acknowledge a threat of an invader. What is interesting in the account of
Mendershausen is that he emphasized the role of the military vis a vis the
civilian. He said that emphasis on territorial defense goes hand in hand with a
strong military civil defense program. He added that devotion to territorial
defense envisions a “Nation in arms” because it emphasizes a close linkage
between the population and the military forces.
However, Mendershausen did not disregard the problems encountered
by the territorial defense posture. He observed that the TD forces in various
26
countries are underequipped with even the very common standard of
weapons. He therefore concludes that no matter what, political tendencies
and controversies still have a powerful influence on the size and
characteristics of all armies whatever their composition and mission may be.
In his earlier work entitled Territorial Defense in NATO and Non-
NATO Europe, (Mendershausen 1973) Mandershausen while focusing on the
issue on territorial defense focused his study on Germany’s shift to Territorial
Defense. He worked on the premise that in the defense planning of European
NATO countries, territorial defense forces play a minor role. He argued that
the territorial defense is a neglected military element. On the part of Germany,
he observed that one of the pressures that led to the shift to territorial defense
is political in nature. The government spending on defense budget was being
criticized and was considered as waste of public funds. He argued that “the
downward pressure on the total defense budget, the upward pressure of
personnel costs and equipment unit costs, and the resulting reduction of
procurement and other investment efforts” led to the restructuring of the
German military force. In addition, the German allies are not contributing to
the defense of their country.
Hence, in relation to the Territorial Defense force, Mendershausen
proposed that since their role is “to observe, delay, harass, ambush or
frustrate mobile enemy forces” they should be equipped with communication
and fighting equipment that enables them to counter the attack of heavily
27
equipped enemy forces. He then concludes that in order to overcome the
obstacles coming from different groups, he recommended the interaction of
the military and political forces in the country taking into consideration the
international dimension in planning and in making policies.
Likewise, the book Asian Security Order: Instrumental and
Normative Features (Alagappa 2003) edited by Muthiah Alagappa which is a
compilation of essays written by notable scholars in the field of regional
security is very valuable in understanding the importance of territorial defense.
In particular, the paper of Jianwei Wang entitled “Territorial Disputes and
Asian Security: Sources, Management, and Prospects” delved some issues
related to the Philippines. In the paper, Wang argued that territorial disputes
have been a major source of interstate conflict all over the world. He observed
that even if the territory has little strategic or economic worth, its symbolic
value is sufficient reason to motivate states to go to war. He also observed
that most of the disputes are historical in nature. He argued that territorial
dispute is critical in determining the formation and evolution of international
order. He further argued that compared with other forms of disputes, territorial
quarrels are more likely to lead to military conflict and war. He said that in
Asia, almost every country in east, south, and southeast Asia has bilateral or
multilateral territorial quarrels with its neighbors. However he stated that
emphasis on conflict management is now given to conflict termination and
resolution.
28
Another important document that needs to be scrutinized is the paper
written by Renato de Castro entitled Philippine Defense Policy in the 21st
Century: Autonomous Defense or Back to the Alliance (de Castro, Fall
2005) published in Pacific Affairs. In the article, de Castro observed that
states have options in addressing their security needs: autonomous defense
capability and alliances. He argued that while states preferred the first one,
some will normally select the option that provides the greatest amount of
security benefits, with the least political and economic costs. In choosing the
first one, the autonomous defense capability, the state must increase the
capital structure of the military which is usually done through taxation,
borrowing and conscription.
Thus, most small and medium-sized states find it difficult to undertake
this course. Instead they follow the second option which is alliance formation.
In the Philippine experience, de Castro stated that the removal of the US
military bases in the country affected the posture that the Philippines took in
relation to national security. He also argued that the Philippine experience is
complicated because of the absence of political will on the part of the political
elite to allocate resources for the “maintenance of credible and independent
armed forces”. He therefore concluded that the Philippines has chosen the
alliance even if they attempted to adopt the first option of autonomous
defense posture because “it is the only available course of action”.
29
With the international publications, while some discussed the Territorial
Defense in relation to other countries, they provided crucial information that
can be used as models in understanding the country’s own Territorial Defense
posture. One major input that these publications present, particularly the first
two, is that the main component of the TD is the strong relationship between
the civilian and the military which I believed will give new light to this study.
F. Conceptual Framework
This study was envisioned to assess the capability of the 300 th AISG in
the context of territorial defense with the end in view of improving the overall
capability of the unit. The conceptual framework as espoused by John
Latham in 1997 was used as a model in this research. It is divided into
purpose of the study and the process on how to accomplish this task.
The purpose of this research is an important aspect of this undertaking
for it explores the possible solutions to the problem, the desired result of
improving the capability of the unit, and the benefits and significance of the
study to the different stakeholders in the improvement of the capability of the
300th AISG.
On the other hand, the process on how to undertake this study is
crucial for it presents the strategy involved in the attainment of results and
solutions. This involves proper planning and preparation, collection of data
and information, assessment and analysis of available data and information,
30
finding solutions that will lead to the conclusion of the study, and most
importantly the presentation of recommendations on how to improve the
capability of 300th AISG. See figure 1 below.
Purpose of the Study Assessment Process
Figure 1: Conceptual Framework
However, to better understand the approach in accomplishing this
paper, the analytical framework was laid out to illustrate the detailed
procedure in undertaking this research (see figure 2 on page 32). This study
followed the Input-Process-Output-Outcome research framework which is an
important tool in examining the present capability of the 300 th AISG in relation
Planning and Preparation
Data Collection
Assessment/Analysis
Conclusion
Recommendation
Significance of the Study to Stakeholders
To improve the Capability of the Unit
To Recommend Solutions to the Problem
31
to its role in the Territorial Defense of our country in order to identify the gaps
needed to adequately accomplish its mission.
In the input, documents relating to the Modernization Plan, Short and
Long Term Plans, Policies, Directives and Guidance were gathered; works
that relate to the experiences of other countries were read; Operational
Readiness rating (OR rate), Annual General Inspection (AGI) findings, Intel
Task Allocation, and Annual Accomplishment Reports of the unit also formed
part of the input. The data gathered, collected, and compiled from the different
sources were processed through analysis and interpretation of data. And to
assess the effectiveness of the unit, the following are the parameters to be
used: Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership, Personnel, and
Facilities (DOTMLPF).
Interviews on key informants were also part of the process. Interviews
were conducted among the selected stakeholders of the unit especially those
who are knowledgeable and directly involved in managing the unit to solicit
their opinions and ideas about the topic. Their inputs and insights were
valuable in understanding some aspects not thoroughly and clearly stated in
written documents.
After processing all the data and interviews were accomplished, an
output identifying the gaps in terms of its mission accomplishments,
personnel, logistics, training, and equipment were laid out. The feedback
32
system allowed the review of the whole process to improve the outcome of
the study.
Consequently, the desired outcome of this study is for the capability of
the 300th AISG to be attuned with its role in the Territorial Defense Operations
in order for the unit to be responsive in the performance of its mission. Any
findings to help the 300th AISG attain its desired capability formed part of the
recommendations at the conclusion of this paper.
Figure 2. Research Framework
INPUT
Doctrines Organization Training Materiel Leadership Personnel Facilities
Modernization Plan Short/Long Term Plan Policies/Directives/Guidance
PROCESS
-Review, Evaluation,
Analysis and Interpretation
of Data
-Interviews with key
informants
-Personal Observation of
the Author
OUTPUT
Identify Gaps in relation to its:
-Doctrines-Organization
-Training-Materiel
-Leadership-Personnel-Facilities
OUTCOME
Improved capability of the
300th AISG
FEEDBACK
33
CHAPTER 3
Methods of Research and Procedures
A. Research Methodology
Since this paper will assess the capability of the 300th AISG in its
readiness to assume its role to handle the Territorial Defense Operations, this
paper employed the qualitative method with emphasis on the analytical
technique. This method is important in determining the capability of the unit
through a scrupulous study of available official memos, directives, guidelines
and other pertinent documents related to the topic.
In the analytical technique, the researcher utilized an interdisciplinary
approach employing historical and anthropological method. The historical
method of gathering data and of verifying the authenticity and veracity of
some documents was highly valued in this research. The historical method
was used in relation to written as well as oral sources.
The researcher, being once a member of the 300th AISG, also utilized
the anthropological method of participant-observer. This enabled the
collection of data easier because of some familiarity with the people in charge
of the documents and pertinent data. It also made verification of some
documents easier because of the experiences of the researcher while with the
unit. Participant-observer also enabled the researcher know more than what is
written based on his experiences as a former member of the unit.
34
The traditional method of research using the library and other
institutions was also utilized. Different institutions and offices that are housing
pertinent documents related to the topic such as the OJ-2, OJ-3, OJ-5, OA-5,
OA-2, 300th AISG, PAF, CGSC library, and MNSA library were explored in
order to gather the most valuable information to come up with a realistic
outcome of the study.
To be able to present the current capability of the unit, specific data
such as personnel, logistics, training, equipment, air assets and other
essential documents of the unit in accordance with the performance of its
mission and functions were gathered. Also, policies, Philippine Defense
Reform Program, 2011-2016 Philippine Defense Guidance, Modernization
Plan, Short Term and Long Term Plans, other Territorial Defense models,
directives and written documents related to the projected capability of the unit
were thoroughly examined.
In order to look at the previous and current studies related to the topic,
previously written AFPCGSC and MNSA papers were perused and became
part of the literature. However, for some areas not clearly stated in the written
documents, interviews with different stakeholders especially those who are
knowledgeable and directly involved in performing the mission and functions
of the unit were undertaken. Interviews with different key personalities who
are part of the planning and execution of the shift from internal to external
defense were also carried out. It also tried to look at the views of the people
35
who are and will be affected by this shift. Most of the people who were
interviewed to add credibility to this paper came from GHQ and PAF planners,
Operations and intelligence officers, former and current Group Commander of
the unit concerned and other personnel of 300th AISG.
B. Locale of the Study
The study was concentrated in Metro Manila where the General
Headquarters and Headquarters Philippine Air Force are located. These two
(2) military institutions were good sources of pertinent documents and
resource persons which immensely contributed to the success of this study.
This is also the area where the Headquarters of 300th AISG is located.
C. Respondents
There was no survey conducted in this study. Instead, document
analysis, focused group discussion, and interviews on selected personalities
were undertaken. Most of the people who were interviewed to add credibility
to this paper are personalities who have participated in the actual policy-
making or have been part of planning and decision making. Some of the
people from the rank and file were also part of the interviewees since they
also have a role to play in the implementation of Territorial Defense. Focused
group discussion (FGD) was also conducted to solicit the views of officers and
enlisted personnel of the 300th AISG.
36
D. Instrument
Although the main source for this paper came from written documents,
papers and directives, interviews with selected personalities who are
knowledgeable about the topic were also undertaken. The interviews
conducted were very crucial in order to reinforce and to verify some of the
available documents that were gathered. The interview process is a structured
one in that there was a list of questions that guided the interviewer. However,
the discussions were not limited to the prepared set of questions but the
interviewer and the interviewee injected some pertinent topics that were
useful in understanding the subject, which have been missed out or
overlooked in the guide questions.
E. Data Gathering Procedure
For this paper, the data gathering was through personal coordination
with the concerned offices and units keeping written documents, papers,
directives, books, etc. that are related to territorial defense. A frequent visit to
these establishments and offices were conducted in line with the schedule of
the different offices and the researcher. All these documents were taken from
offices and training institutions within Headquarters Philippine Air Force
(HPAF) and General Headquarters (GHQ).
The initial procedure after identifying the topic was to look for possible
sources from the card catalogue and data bases of libraries. And the libraries
37
inside the Philippine Air Force and the General Headquarters in Camp
Aguinaldo were the first destinations. This led to the different areas where
previous Commandant’s papers, articles, and books were taken. For
supporting documents like memorandum, directives, and other policies related
to the topic, the different offices and units that are actually involved in the
territorial defense were the best destinations.
However, in order to identify the key personalities to be interviewed, a
series of knowing who are the possible heads and members of policy and
planning units were carried out. Interviews with the different personalities who
are knowledgeable about the topic were conducted. The information that were
derived from these resource persons were valuable in coming up with a good
analysis and final outcome of this paper.