Army to inspect ROTC units in hopes of attracting recruits for reserves

The Philippine Army will conduct administrative and tactical inspections of 8,000 Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets from colleges and universities in Metro Manila today to evaluate the program and draw more citizens to join the Philippine Army Reserve Force.

The 10th Centralized Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection will be held at the ROTC Hunters Guerrilla Parade Ground in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said the activity is held every year and involves the  inspection of all activated Army ROTC units nationwide.

Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año, Army commanding general, will be a guest at the day-long activity of the Army’s National Capital Regional Community Defense Group.

“The inspection is part of the pre-anniversary activities for the 119th Philippine Army founding anniversary on March 22,” Hao said.

The inspection intends to test the units’ degree of administrative efficiency, training management, proficiency and the cadets’ quality of training.

Subjects for evaluation include administrative inspection, ceremonial parade, rank inspection, operation order writing, map reading and the assembly and disassembly of M16 rifle and .45-cal. pistols.

The cadets will be tested on company drills, method of instruction, small unit tactics as well as disaster response and rescue operations.

Hao said the inspection is also aimed at testing the operational readiness of the ROTC units and allow the cadets to experience what being a soldier is really all about.

“It is also a tool to attract freshmen college students to enroll in the ROTC program so that more Filipino citizens will join the Philippine Army Reserve Force,” the Army spokesperson said.