Strengthening ASEAN Military Friendly Cooperation, Deputy Chief of Staff Attends the Opening of the 32nd AARM

PHILIPPINES – Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Wakasad) Lt. Gen. Tandyo Budi R. attended the opening of the 32nd ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM), which took place at the Philippine Army Markmanship Training Facility, Camp O'Donnell, Capas, Tarlac, Philippines, Thursday (14/11/2024). 

This annual shooting competition is an important event for ASEAN countries to strengthen military cooperation and increase the professionalism of soldiers in shooting skills.

The 32nd AARM was attended by 10 ASEAN member countries, namely Brunei Darussalam, Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. This competition is not only an arena for testing military capabilities, but also a means of strengthening friendship and building synergy between the armies of ASEAN countries.

Meanwhile, during the opening ceremony, the Vice Commander of the Philippine Army, Major General Leodevic B. Guinid, PA, in his speech emphasized that AARM is actually more than just a shooting competition. "This is a forum for strengthening relations and collaboration between ASEAN countries, maintaining peace and maintaining stability in the Southeast Asian region, " he said.

Wakasad himself participated in the executive pistol shooting competition with military officials from AARM participating countries. Apart from the Deputy Chief of Staff, a number of high-ranking TNI AD officials were also present, including the Kasad Training Assistant (Aslat), TNI Major General Jonathan Binsar Parluhutan Sianipar, Danjen Kopassus Maj. Gen. TNI Djon Afrinadi, and the Land Attaché of the Republic of Indonesia in Manila.

The 32nd AARM will be held from 12 to 23 November 2024, and Indonesia has an impressive track record in this event. Namely, he has won the overall champion title 14 times since this competition was first held in 1991.**