The National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) formally launched the Reserve Force Joint Training Exercise (RFJTEX) CY 2026 on June 19, 2026, at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, bringing together regular and reserve units from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the AFP Reserve Command.
The three-day exercise aims to strengthen operational readiness, interoperability, and integration of NCR-based reserve forces with NCRCOM in support of territorial defense, disaster response, and national security operations.
Led by NCRCOM Commander Maj. Gen. Gregorio B. Hernandez Jr. PN(M), the activity provides a platform for reservists and regular personnel to enhance capabilities through staff exercises, subject matter expert exchanges, and field training focused on warfighting operations and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) missions.
Participating units include reserve formations from the Army Reserve Command, Naval Reserve Command, Air Force Reserve Command, and AFP Reserve Command, alongside NCRCOM’s Land, Air, and Maritime Component Commands, as well as the Joint Intelligence and Operations Task Group.
The exercise includes practical training on communications and electronic operations, mechanized infantry operations, amphibious operations, drone operations, tactical combat casualty care, collapsed structure search and rescue, emergency medical response, and air evacuation procedures. These activities are designed to enhance the ability of reserve forces to integrate seamlessly with regular units during contingencies, emergencies, and national defense operations.
Maj. Gen. Hernandez underscored the critical role of reservists as force multipliers and strategic partners in safeguarding the National Capital Region, emphasizing the need for continuous training and interoperability to maintain a responsive and mission-ready Reserve Force.
Office of Civil Defense–National Capital Region Director George F. Keyser, the keynote speaker, highlighted the importance of coordination between the AFP Reserve Force and disaster response stakeholders in strengthening community resilience and national emergency preparedness.
The RFJTEX 2026 supports the AFP Total Force Concept, which promotes the integration of regular and reserve forces to address emerging security challenges and enhance the country’s defense posture.
Through initiatives like RFJTEX, NCRCOM said it remains committed to maintaining a capable, responsive, and mission-ready force prepared to support national defense and assist communities during crises and emergencies.