8th ID trains 144 new soldier recruits

From the Leyte Samar Daily Express (Jun 5): 8th ID trains 144 new soldier recruits

The 8th Infantry Division (8th ID), Philippine Army on Saturday welcomed 144 new Army recruits from Samar and neighboring areas.

This batch, whose ages range from18-26, have surpassed physical and mental examinations to withstand the rigors of the physical and mental training.

“Their training will start this June until December where they will specialize in Jungle Warfare Mountain Operation Course (JWMOC),” said Lt Col Angel Madarang, Division Training Unit Commander.

As they train, the recruits transform from their civilian nature to individuals embracing the norms and practices of the military, he added.

Aside from the rigid training hours, these young men will be trained in the art and science of being riflemen, to execute squad tactics, perfect survival techniques and understand the military justice system.

All these skills and knowledge will prepare them to be tactically proficient while developing the highest professional standard of being a soldier with self confidence and a high degree of responsibility.

This prized batch, said an Army official has more college graduates led by a Nursing and Criminology graduates from Samar province.

A mother from Barangay Casandig, Paranas, Samar commented that his son really wants to become a soldier.

“Nahadlok gad ngani ako, pero pursigido man hiya, waray ko na mahihimo kundi sumuporta ngan mag ampo ha Ginoo (I fear for his life, but he is so determined, I cannot dissuade him anymore so I will just support and pray real hard), she said in the dialect.

Meanwhile, BGen Virgilio Espenelli welcomed the recruits and inspired them to do their best. “ Just follow orders, manood, makinig at makiramdam, (watch, listen and feel) the seasoned army official said.

“We will guide and help you. We expect a lot from you good and disciplined soldiers.”

Some parents witnessed the reception of their sons, their pride of their sons’ choice to serve masked their feelings of worry as they watched the 144 young men march to their new career of soldiery.

http://leytesamardaily.net/2013/06/8th-id-trains-144-new-soldier-recruits/