"The AFP regards highly the role that the Reservists play in the accomplishment of its mission. They are not simply force multipliers; they are important component and partners in various non-lethal military operations and activities. It is admirable that, despite the fact that they receive no compensation and leaves the practice of their professions for the period that they serve the AFP, they remain committed, dependable, and ready to be deployed to serve on call with due notice," he said.
"These are the qualities of citizen army that the country needs especially in this stage of our country at the threshold of change. We need professionals who shall put premium on national interest and well-being," he added.
AFP public affairs chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo also expressed his hopes that there'll be more citizen who would want to join the program. Such attributes of these reservists are somewhat rare, but they are definitely not hard to find.
"The preservation of the state is an obligation of every citizen. The AFP believes that military reservist programs are good training platforms and opportunities for our citizens, particularly the youth to prepare them in a shared role in nationhood and nation building," Arevalo stated.
One of the military's major support command is the AFP Reserve Command (AFPRESCOM). It was established only for the Reserve Force Management, procurement, and organization. AFPRESCOM was founded in 1993, it's task is to train citizens who have what it takes to be a a military reservist by training them in different courses.
The Reserve Commands of the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Navy are all supporting and conducting training programs and courses for the recruitment of AFP reservists.
"At present, the AFP has a total of 385,116-strong Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine reservists. Of which, 78,735 are Ready Reserve or on constant alert and training, 292, 427 are Standby Reserve or the base for expansion, support and augmentation for the Ready Reserve, and 13,954 are Affiliated Reserve," Colonel Arevalo said.
The Reservist program includes lawyers, doctors, nurses, veterinarians, teachers, engineers, other specialists and even government officials such as Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
"The AFP actively supports the ROTC Program that promotes nationalism and patriotism among the youth. It develops their sense of willingness to render active military and civic duties, during peacetime and national emergency," Arevalo added.
"We need to train men and women physically, mentally, and psychologically, by instilling discipline and nurturing the values of nationalism and patriotism making them ready to take on the challenge of being in the forefront of nationhood and national well-being, he concluded.
Currently, there's about 1.52 million ROTC cadets in the country in which the AFP gives its support to the Reserve Officers Training Corps in tertiary schools.
Source; conceptnewscentral
0 comments: