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    Philippine and US Army Soldiers conduct SMEE Training on Camera Operations

    Philippine and U.S. Armies conduct in Public Affairs Subject Matter Expert Exchange

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Kayla Silvers | U.S. Army Sgt. Daria Jackson (left), public affairs mass communication specialist,...... read more read more

    FORT MAGSAYSAY, PHILIPPINES

    03.31.2025

    Story by Staff Sgt. Kayla Silvers 

    204th Public Affairs Detachment

    FORT MAGSAYSAY, Philippines — Philippine Army Soldiers and U.S. Army Soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division, supported by the 204th Public Affairs Detachment, 81st Readiness Division, U.S. Army Reserve, participated in a subject matter expert exchange that consisted of a practical basic photography workshop during Salaknib 25 held at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines, March 27, 2025.

    Philippine Army public affairs soldiers worked closely together with their U.S. Army partners in exchanging knowledge on how they use photography equipment to improve how they operate in the field.

    U.S. Army Sgt. Daria Jackson, Public Affairs Mass Communication Specialist, 204th PAD, assisted with instruction on how to operate camera equipment. Jackson, with other soldiers from her unit, participated in classroom instruction, followed by hands-on practical application.

    The public affairs camera operations class taught lessons on the components of a camera, the basics of photography, and different types of composition used to properly capture photographs.

    “We are soldiers first, but there are different [military occupational specialties] in the services, so learning how it differs on their side compared to ours is always a bonus, as well as being able to just support the mission and help out where we can,” said Jackson.

    U.S Army Maj. Scott Grupp, officer-in-charge, 204th PAD, along with Jackson are U.S. Army Reserve soldiers who are in the Philippines for their annual training.

    “Salaknib 2025 is an excellent opportunity for all types of forces to work together,” said Grupp. “As part of the Army Reserve, the 204th Public Affairs Detachment seeks out Operational Deployment Training exercises, such as Salaknib 2025, to combine our efforts with active-duty U.S. Army brethren and Filipino partners. This Public Affairs Subject Matter Expert Exchange allowed us to share ideas, experiences, and best practices, increasing interoperability and collectively raising everyone’s proficiency in telling the Army’s story.”

    Salaknib 25 is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. Through classroom instruction, open discussion, and practical application, the Philippine and U.S. Army exchanges knowledge, techniques and skill sets needed to provide instruction and learn best practices in several key functional areas to highlight what soldiers do and how they operate.

    “We don’t stand alone,” Jackson said. “Being able to come over here and get to know our other allies and partners is a blessing.”

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.31.2025
    Date Posted: 03.31.2025 22:41
    Story ID: 494115
    Location: FORT MAGSAYSAY, PH

    Web Views: 183
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN