1ID starts training of 196 candidate soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 19, 2021): 1ID starts training of 196 candidate soldiers (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

CANDIDATE SOLDIERS. A total of 196 candidate soldiers are undergoing a 16-week rigorous basic military training at the 1st Division Training School at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, home of the Army's 1st Infantry Division (1ID) in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. The training kicked off after the candidate soldiers take oath Wednesday (Aug. 18, 2021) at the 1ID grandstand. (Photo courtesy of 1ID Public Affairs Office)

Some 196 candidate soldiers are undergoing a 16-week rigorous basic military training at the 1st Division Training School (1DTS) at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

The training reeled off after the members of the Candidate Soldier Course Class 686-2021 took oath Wednesday at the grandstand of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division (ID) at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an.

The 1ID, in a statement Thursday, said 27 of the 196 candidate soldiers are females while the remaining 169 are males, who are from the different parts of the region.

They will be taught with the basic foundations of soldiery and the Army’s core values being the future defenders of the nation, according to the 1ID.

Col. Pompeyo Jason Almagro, 1ID chief-of-staff, welcomed the new batch of candidate soldiers.

“Some may feel the excitement in anticipation of a beginning of a new phase in their lives. Some may feel sadness in leaving behind their families and friends who have been their steady and constant source of encouragement and support. Others may feel anxiety in contemplating what lies ahead,” Almagro said.

The 196 recruits were chosen as the best among the thousands of aspirants who lined up to fulfill their dreams of becoming soldiers and serving the Filipino people.

Master Sgt. Angelito Paler, the 1ID assistant sergeant major, led the oath-taking of the 196 candidate soldiers.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., 1ID assistant division commander and the keynote speaker of the oath-taking ceremony, congratulated the members of the Candidate Soldiers Course Class 686-2021 for surpassing the application phase.

Gaerlan also shared the four purposes of training to the recruits: train to fight, train to think, train to lead, and train to win.

He also urged the trainees to work hard to survive, take the training seriously, put their best in everything they do, respect human rights, and consider mistakes as part of learning.

Gaerlan also reminded the training staff of their role as teachers of the 1DTS.

“A mediocre teacher tells, a good teacher explains, a superior demonstrates, and a great teacher inspires,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150957