Camp Sang-An, Zamboanga del Sur – The 1st Infantry Division welcomes a new batch of candidate soldiers during the opening ceremony of the Candidate Soldier Course Class 686-2021 at the Division grandstand today.
The 196 candidate soldiers composed of 27 females and 169 males will undergo 16 weeks of rigorous basic military training at the 1st Division Training School (1DTS), where they will be taught with the basic foundations of soldiery and the Army’s core values being the future defenders of the nation.
The Division Chief of Staff, Col. Pompeyo Jason M. Almagro, welcomed the new batch of candidate soldiers. In his remarks, he mentioned what trainees feel as they begin their military life.
“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,” said Almagro.
The 196 recruits are the chosen few, the best among the thousands lined up to fulfill their dreams of becoming soldiers and serving the Filipino people.
Master Sgt. Angelito P. Paler, the Assistant Division Sergeant Major, led the oath-taking of the candidate soldiers.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Bagnus P. Gaerlan Jr., the Assistant Division Commander and the keynote speaker during the ceremony, congratulated the members of the CSC 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.
Gaerlan inspired 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. He shared that “a mediocre teacher tells, a good teacher explains, a superior demonstrates, and a great teacher inspires.”
(Source: DPAO TABAK, photo courtesy of Team Tabak)