CLARK FREEPORT — This freeport is set to host this weekend 135 local and foreign Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) cadets in the Ultimate ROTC Challenge 2019.
The AFP public affairs office said the activity would be held at the headquarters of the Air Force Reserve Command here from Friday to Sunday.
“The participants will be composed of cadets from ROTC of the Major Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), cadets from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), and cadets from United States ROTC of the University of Guam (UOG),” said AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato, in a statement.
The exercises include Marksmanship Firing using .45 pistols, Endurance Firing using M16 rifles, Obstacle Course, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Exercises.
“They will be grouped into nine teams that shall be composed of a total of 15 cadets, two from each of the major services, two each from the PMA, PMMA, and MAAP, and three from UOG,” Detoyato added.
Cadets from the University of Guam, USA will participate in the Ultimate ROTC Challenge 2019 as part of their activity during their Cultural Understanding and Leadership Program in the Philippines.
These interactive activities among the ROTC cadets aim to showcase their skills and proficiency in terms of marksmanship, physical endurance, and camaraderie. It is also to assess the basic knowledge gained by the cadets from the universities and military academies from their training.
Detoyato said the event will be spearheaded by the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, J9 as part of its focus and thrust that advocates the restoration of mandatory ROTC and sustaining the enhancement of the AFP Reserve Force.
This is also in line with the Commander- in-Chief, President Duterte’s guidance to strengthen the ROTC Program and instill love of country and good citizenship.
Detoyato also said “ROTC envisions to instill discipline and sense of purpose; respect for the laws and the authorities; and obedience to rules and regulations to students in a military training environment. The AFP has been a consistent advocate of a military training program that shall form part of the school as this will help nurture nationalism and patriotism to the youth.”
