PMA Class undergoes field training

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City - The Field Training Exercises (FTX) of the PMA cadets was opened on 01 June 2007, 2PM at the grand stand, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City.

The FTX is an integrated activity of all Cadets in different year levels yearly conducted to practice and reinforce their acquired knowledge and skills in the academy to better prepare them as leaders on conventional warfare for internal security operations.

BAGHAWI FTX is termed after the class name of the 1st class cadets who are the most senior among the group.

Objectives of the exercise are to evaluate leadership performance of the 1st class cadets and 2nd class cadets and to evaluate the performance as well as the knowledge and skills of the lower class as members of the fire team.

In the speech of BGen. Ralph A Villanueva, the commandant of cadets, he said that the FTX is different from those previously conducted because this year, the pilots and sailors among the 1st class cadets are included in the exercise. This is according to Villanueva, to ensure that cadets will have the broad intensive military skills and the height of the character to be responsible officers.

With Villanueva are other officers of the PMA to supervise the conduct of the activity.

First class cadets will be thought on how to become good platoon leaders and good officers in preparation to their field duty. Second class cadets will be thought on how to become good squad leaders. Third class will focus on weapons training. The plebes will be tested on their obedience as the most junior among the group.

In the speech of MGen. Juanito Gomez, commander of 7th Infantry Division and Guest of Honor and Speaker during the ceremony, he expressed his hope for these future “cutting edge” of the Internal Security Operations as supporters to the accomplishment of the AFP’s mission.

Gomez emphasized that in the regimented life of soldiery, the “Military Professionalism” of Charles de Gaulle must be known by heart by the Cadets.

Gomez also imposed challenge to the cadets to strive for excellence in all their endeavors and exert best efforts to the limits of their abilities.