The Philippine Army is recruiting almost 14,000 troops this year to fill-up various Army units across the country.
Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, Army commanding general, said in a press briefing on Wednesday that they need 13,910 new troops to fill up the prescribed number of personnel, organizational equipment and structure, known to the military as table of organization and equipment.
Of the 13,910 additional Army personnel — 349 officers are needed; 8,892 will be enlisted personnel; 1,069 are to be soldiers for the newly organized 54th Engineering Brigade; and 3,600 soldiers will replace retiring personnel.
The Army chief said the additional engineering brigade is meant to address developmental projects like roads and school buildings.
“The problem we have right now it’s not just warfighting but security and development so ito pinagsasabay natin (we’re doing it simultaneously),” he said.
Miranda they could welcome more additional soldiers but they have budget constraints from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
“We are limited of budget. May tinatawag na (there is something called) authorized troop strength which is in collaboration with the DBM,” he said.
Most of the Armed Forces’ 125,000-strong personnel come from the Army with about 85,000 soldiers.
The recruits will be deployed to the Army’s infantry, cavalry and artillery units. Some of them will also fill up the engineer, communication, logistics and other administrative positions in the Army.
Ten percent is allocated for female soldiers while five percent will come from indigenous peoples.
Data from the Army said that a candidate soldier will receive a gross income of P16,852 monthly. Once enlisted, the new Private will receive a starting gross income of P23,204 per month with additional allowances and benefits.
The Philippine Army said it will prioritize its recruitment in the following order:
— graduates of Military Science 42 and Advance ROTC
—college graduates
—those with 72 units and up in college
—high school graduates but possess technical and vocational skills needed by the Philippine Army
Applicants must be natural born Filipino citizen; at least 18 to 23 years old on the date of appointment as candidate soldier; at least 5 feet in height; single and without child; of good moral character; passed the Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery/ Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test; passed pre-qualifying fitness test and medical exam; must be physically and mentally fit for military training.
All interested applicants may visit any Army Recruitment Centers nationwide: Fort Bonifacio in Metro Manila; Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City and Camp Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City, or visit the website at www.army.mil.ph. During the walk-ins, they are advised to bring with them identification cards, NBI clearance and other relevant documents. JE