ARMY PROMOTES 413 SOLDIERS IN WESTERN VISAYAS

Camp Peralta, Jamindan Capiz – Additional stripes on rank chevrons fell on the collars of 413 soldiers at the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division here this month pursuant to existing strict guidelines on the promotion to the next higher rank in the Army.

The newly promoted soldiers, 162 of which are Corporals, 129 Sergeants, 82 Staff Sergeants and 40 Technical Sergeants have satisfactorily satisfied the requirements set by the Philippine Army's Promotion System.

Candidates were selected after looking into their Individual Evaluation record which gauged a soldier’s competency and reputation in the service. Other requirements which were satisfied include required minimum number of years in one's current rank, passing grade on a competitive promotional examination, completion of a career military occupational specialty course, physical and Neurological-Psychological examination and Physical Fitness Test (PFT).

A pinning of ranks ceremony to available personnel at Camp Peralta was held during the flag raising ceremony here Monday to those who were promoted. Field units under 3ID are also scheduled to conduct the same, a symbol of the rich military custom and tradition where officers and non-commissioned officers pin new collar chevrons on the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) of the promoted soldiers as the promotion orders are being read in front of a military formation.

With positioning in the military hierarchy looking at the ranks of its personnel, the soldiers, now holding the higher rank, are now qualified to occupy higher positions of higher responsibility.

The Philippine Army earlier said that as a professional organization it recognizes that changes or movements in leadership, promotions and change of positions are part of the dynamics and essential mechanisms in a military institution. 

Promotion of soldiers who are carefully selected is based largely on character, competence, and capacity to perform assigned mission and task.  The Army, believing in the experience and wisdom of the newly promoted enlisted personnel, has its high confidence that these changes shall contribute to the fulfilment of the Army’s thrust and mission. 

BGen Aurelio Baladad, 3ID Commander congratulated the newly promoted soldiers and said, "May you look forward for your next promotion as you gain more responsibilities and more experiences. As we widen our experiences, we should also widen our responsibilities and perspective. The additional stripes on your rank chevrons are a strengthening symbol of protecting the rights of our fellow Filipinos whom we vowed to serve and protect, defend and safeguard".

Passing through the PFT, a soldier candidate is expected to perform a required minimum number of push-ups, sit-ups and a 3.2 kilometer-run while under time pressure.

Promotion to the next higher rank also comes with an increase of a soldier's pay and allowances.

Courtesy/Press Release from: DPAO, 3ID, PA