Ranger 94:
Ironically, Rumsfeld was adamently opposed to our support to the Philippines in 2001-2002. President Bush had to overrule him because of the promise he made to GMA in November 2001. And to answer your second question the Philippine Constitution does not prevent US combat operations (that is somethign oppositopn groups and the press like to spout - a thorough reading of the constitution actually reads much differently, in fact, combat operations are permitted if there is a treaty and a mutual threat - Note that the Philippines is the US longest standing treaty ally). There are two reasons why US forces do not conduct direct combat operations. First as you correctly point out doctrinally this is a direct FID operation and second it would undermine Philippine military and government legitimacy if US forces conducted direct or unilateral combat operations. While it would feel good to many people if US forces conducted their own combat operations the 2d and 3d order effects would be cost prohibitive from an IO perspective. The Southern Philippines is a classic (and very complex) COIN environment and US forces are supporting an ally in its fight against insurgency and the terrorism caused by those insurgents. Again, it would be counterproductive for US forces to conduct direct combat operations which is why we are limited to advising and assisting (in a myriad of ways but behind the scenes).
Dave
Bookmarks