The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) serves as the military backbone of the nation, comprising three key branches: the Army, the Air Force, and the Navy. This tripartite structure ensures a comprehensive defense strategy covering land, air, and sea.
The inception of the AFP dates back to the post-World War II era, under the directive of the National Defense Act of 1935. The formation of this military group was overseen by retired US General Douglas MacArthur, who played a pivotal role in laying the foundational structures of the AFP.
Adhering to its motto, the AFP stands as the foremost line of defense for the Philippines, dedicated to safeguarding its citizens and the sovereign state from any form of aggression. The central command of the AFP is stationed at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, with General Andres Centino from the Philippine Army (PA) currently leading as the Chief of Staff.
The ranks and compensation for the country’s military personnel are standardized by the government. This article delves into the details of the AFP’s oldest and principal branch, the Philippine Army, exploring its roles, responsibilities, and operational framework.
The Philippines uses a system of ranking where the rank is determined by the amount of experience and expertise that the soldier has gained over time. This is important in order to ensure that the soldier will have a successful and rewarding career.
In addition, the Philippine Army has many different branches that are involved in military operations. These include the Maritime Group, which is responsible for all police functions over Philippine territorial waters; the Intelligence Group, which serves as the PNP’s intelligence unit; and the Police Security and Protection Group, which provides security to important government installations, officials and dignitaries.
In the Philippines, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is primarily responsible for protecting Filipinos and the state from threats. Its main, oldest and largest branch is the Philippine Army (PA).
The PA consists of 11 divisions spread across Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and the South. Its mission is to conduct land combat and operations in order to protect Filipinos from internal and external threats.
As a member of the Philippine Army, you can expect a good salary as well as many other benefits such as health insurance, retirement pension, and housing benefits. The government also offers a number of additional benefits for military personnel, such as quick cash loans from Digido to help them cope with emergency situations.
For example, if you’re a new recruit who has just passed the required exams and is looking for quick money, you can apply for a loan through Digido and have the money deposited in your account within five minutes. All you have to do is download the app, sign up and submit an application form.
You can also apply for a short term loan from Digido to cover your daily expenses, or to buy new things. With just a few clicks, you can borrow up to P10,000.
Despite the high salary, the philippine army is not without its challenges and hardships. For instance, some soldiers are sent to war zones and are put in dangerous positions.
Positions | Monthly Base Pay |
General | PHP 149,785 |
Lieutenant General | PHP 125,574 |
Major General | PHP 102,896 |
Brigadier General | PHP 91,058 |
Colonel | PHP 80,583 |
Lieutenant Colonel | PHP 71,313 |
Major | PHP 62,555 |
Captain | PHP 56,582 |
First Lieutenant | PHP 49,528 |
Second Lieutenant | PHP 48,829 |
First Chief Master Sergeant | PHP 38,366 |
Cadet | PHP 38,366 |
Probationary Second Lieutenant | PHP 38,366 |
Chief Master Sergeant | PHP 34,761 |
Senior Master Sergeant | PHP 34,079 |
Master Sergeant | PHP 33,411 |
Technical Sergeant | PHP 32,756 |
Staff Sergeant | PHP 32,114 |
Sergeant | PHP 31,484 |
Corporal | PHP 30,867 |
Private First Class | PHP 30,261 |
Private | PHP 29,668 |
Candidate Soldier | PHP 18,587 |
But these soldiers do their best to serve their country and protect fellow Filipinos from enemies. The philippine army is made up of people from different backgrounds, who are devoted to serving the nation and protecting its citizens.
The philippine army is one of the few branches that offer a variety of career options and challenging challenges to its members. Its members are rewarded with good salaries and great benefits, which make the job more enjoyable.
The Philippine Army ranks and salary are based on education, experience, and rank. Employees with a bachelor’s degree can expect a higher salary than those with only a high school diploma.
The Philippine Army is the main branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) responsible for ground warfare. It has a long history of fighting in both domestic and international conflicts.
The Army has 101,000 active personnel and 100,000 ready reserves. Its headquarters is located at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, Metro Manila.
It is led by the Chief of the Army who is a lieutenant general, assisted by the vice-commander and the chief of staff of the armed forces. The rank insignia of commissioned officers are shoulder epaulette while those of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel are rank collars or sleeves.
In addition to the ranks of commissioned officers, the AFP has many honorary ranks, but these are only awarded during wartime or in times of national defense concerns. The highest peacetime rank is the four-star general, held by the AFP chief of staff.
This rank is held by military officers who have shown heroism and significant contributions to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The AFP Chief of Staff is assisted by 10 officers who hold the rank of major general/rear admiral.
There are also 10 divisions of the AFP that are commanded by senior commanders who carry the rank of major general/rear admiral. These divisions are called Joint Staff Divisions and are based at the AFP’s general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Taguig City, Metro Manila.
The AFP has a number of training schools that provide advanced and basic training for its soldiers. These schools are typically located at army bases in the country and offer training on specific areas of expertise such as infantry and artillery, among others.
Aside from centralized schools, there are also army divisions that train soldiers at base camps throughout the country. This type of training is more common in the army than centralized schools because it allows for more flexibility and ease.
The Philippine Army also offers benefits for servicemembers, such as free housing, medical and dental care, and insurance. They are also eligible for a variety of retirement programs, including disability and death benefits.
The Philippine Army, as the name suggests, is the land force that defends the country. It has a proud 122-year history and remains one of the most innovative and forward thinking forces in the world today.
Aside from its military role, the philippine army also plays a crucial role in nation building and peace and development. It is a benefactor of the government’s whole-of-nation approach to containing insurgency, and it has played a major role in restoring peace and stability to some of the most tumultuous regions in the Philippines.
Some of the more exciting activities undertaken by members of the PH Army include combating corruption, protecting and safeguarding our country, and improving the lives of Filipinos in their own backyards through initiatives like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLI). The PH Army is also a major player in bringing about the modernization of the country’s aging infrastructure through programs such as the Philippine Electric Company and TESDA.
For the most part, the PH Army has an excellent benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, and a pension upon retirement.
The PH Army is also an excellent place to test your mettle in the armed forces, with a number of special training programs available to qualified applicants. In particular, the PH Army has a strong history of training and educating young Filipinos in a range of disciplines. This includes the arts, science and technology. The PH Army has the highest enrollment of foreign students among the nations military services, and it is a leader in integrating the next generation of the Philippines’ workforce into its ranks.
Embarking on a career with the Philippine Army begins by navigating through a series of recruitment steps designed to ensure that only the most suitable candidates join the ranks. Here’s your comprehensive guide to becoming a part of this esteemed military force:
Verify Eligibility Criteria: Start by confirming that you meet the essential criteria. This includes being a natural-born Filipino, unmarried with no previous marriages, and falling within the age bracket of 18-23 years for enlisted roles or 21-29 for officer positions. Both male and female candidates must be at least 5’0” tall, in good physical and mental health, and free of any criminal convictions. You’ll also need to pass the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) along with a Physical Fitness Test (PFT).
Gather Necessary Documents: Compile all required documents such as your birth certificate, educational qualifications, valid identification, NBI clearance, and police clearance. These will support your application and prove your eligibility.
Submit Your Application: You can apply either online or in person by visiting your local Army Recruitment Office (ARO). Make sure to bring all your documents and adhere strictly to the submission guidelines.
Sit for the Qualifying Exam: After your application is processed, you’ll be scheduled to take the AFPSAT to assess your cognitive abilities and skills. A physical fitness test will also be conducted to evaluate your endurance and physical capabilities.
Participate in the Pre-entry Orientation Seminar: Successful candidates will be invited to a seminar that introduces them to the core values, mission, and vision of the Philippine Army. This seminar is crucial for all potential recruits.
Undergo Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the initial tests and seminar will undergo a thorough medical check to ensure they are fit for military service.
Attend the Final Interview: This stage involves a detailed interview by a selection board to gauge your personality, integrity, and overall suitability for a role in the military.
Enlistment and Basic Training: Passing all the previous stages leads to your enlistment. You will then undergo basic military training, which prepares you for life in the Army.
It’s important to keep up-to-date with any changes in the recruitment process, which can vary based on the current policies of the Philippine Army. Regularly checking the official Philippine Army website or visiting your nearest Army Recruitment Office is recommended for the latest information and further details.
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