Romero, Solano first reservists to wear AFP-JSOC Tan Beret

Brigadier General Michael “Mikee” Romero and Colonel Floreto Solano are the first reservists authorized to wear the Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Special Operations Command (AFP-JSOC) Tan Beret, a distinction reserved for the nation’s premier joint special forces community.

Romero became JSOC Reservist No. 1, while Solano was designated JSOC Reservist No. 2, marking a key milestone for the AFP-JSOC.

Romero serves as TOWR-Northern Luzon Wing Commander, while Solano is TOWR-Southern Luzon Wing Commander.

The donning was conducted under the leadership of Major General Rosendo Abad, Philippine Army, AFP-JSOC commander, reflecting his commitment to strengthening interoperability and fostering greater integration between the active and reserve components of the AFP.

The move also affirms the emergence of Romero as one of the country’s leading advocates of the reservist movement.

Through his leadership and advocacy, he continues to promote a “Total Defense Force” formula—a whole-of-nation approach that integrates active-duty forces, reservists, veterans, government agencies, local government units, the private sector, and civilian stakeholders into a unified national defense framework.

His vision seeks to maximize the capabilities of the country’s reserve force as a strategic force multiplier in defense, disaster resilience, homeland security, and nation-building.

AFP-JSOC serves as the unified special operations command and umbrella organization of the AFP’s seven most elite fighting units, integrating the 1st Scout Ranger Regiment, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Light Reaction Regiment, Naval Special Operations Command (NAVSOCOM), Force Reconnaissance Group, 710th Special Operations Wing, and the AFP JSOC K-9 Platoon.

The designations of JSOC Reservist No. 01 and No. 2 are a vital recognition of the trust and confidence of AFP-JSOC in reservists who have shown exemplary leadership, dedication, and commitment to advancing the command’s mission.

The milestone also paves the way for qualified reservists nationwide to become an integral part of the AFP-JSOC framework.

As force providers and force multipliers, reservists can serve as subject matter experts, trainers, planners, intelligence support personnel, civil-military operations partners, disaster response coordinators, and strategic support elements, enhancing JSOC’s operational reach and readiness across the country.

Patterned after the interoperability principles of the United States Joint Special Operations Command, the initiative seeks to harness the specialized civilian expertise and military experience of reservists in support of special operations missions.

Through closer integration, reservists can augment active-duty forces during national emergencies, territorial defense operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions, and other special operations support activities requiring specialized skills and rapid mobilization.