A P P L I C A T I O N

"A member is, however, expected to utilize his common sense, and his knowledge of human nature and of the ways of the world in weighing the evidence. In the light of all the circumstances of the case, he should consider the inherent probability or improbability of the evidence. "

Chapter 15-78a, Court Martial Procedure

Care has been taken to explain the core values and standards of conduct that are essential to military effectiveness as the air that one breathes, for them to be understood and applied in everyday life by all in the service of the Philippine Army and even after. This text is merely a guide, to be pondered upon by the reader who honestly seeks to know himself and his suitability to the military profession. The more intuitive the appreciation by the reader, the more helpful this handbook will be because every soldier is guided by his own sense of right and wrong, subject only to correct application of one's common sense that is also common to the military.

It must be stressed that entering the military profession is foremost a matter of choice. One must willingly make that choice with full knowledge of the dimensions to which he will be called to action no matter the arena. Once made, the choice must be an unwavering and steadfast commitment, for the internalization of the Philippine Army philosophy transforms an ordinary citizen into a true Philippine Army soldier.

The primary responsibility for instilling and reinforcing the values and standards herein explained is vested in the military leadership as an innate function of rank. The dynamics of the Philippine Army core values and standards of conduct become the weave that strengthens the fabric, from the NCO support channel that acts to pass information, disseminates orders and gets routine but basic and important jobs done, to the commander who, freed of administrative duties, can plan, make decisions and program his men for training and operations. Officers and NCOs in command and control positions must therefore commit these values to memory and be in a position to explain the same when asked. Constant reference must be made to these values during training and reinforced at all levels. All ranks must be aware that they are expected to behave in a particular way and most of all, understand why there are limitations to their individual freedoms.

The Commanding Officer holds primary responsibility for the maintenance of discipline within his command as well as the sanctions to be imposed on erring individuals. When a soldier is the subject of a disciplinary proceeding, it is already established that the acts of the soldier are violative of regulations and it is the duty of the soldier to clear himself. This also indicates the self-responsibility imposed on and expected of each individual soldier for his conduct, because unlike the civilian setting, lives are literally at stake; discipline ensure that life is honored, not wasted. Disciplinary action is the first level of sanctions followed by court martial, unless there are good reasons for an immediate court martial after referral to higher authority. In some circumstances, both administrative disciplinary action and a court martial may be taken simultaneously if the misconduct is particularly serious. In the great majority of instances, discipline can be maintained through effective measures, which a commander is expected to use to the extent of his ingenuity and creativity to further the efficiency and morale of his command or unit.

The soldier is well aware of the ways of the world and constantly employs his knowledge of human nature when faced with situations not specifically met in his training courses. Values are inculcated by observation and practice over time. Thus, it is expected that constant review of one's self in the dynamism of daily life will guide the correct application of the foregoing values and the standards of conduct in military life, for this code to endure and be relevant for the decades ahead.