THE OPERATIONAL IMPERATIVE

"The profession of arms, as a noble calling, demands from its members not only specialized knowledge and skills but also a distinct lifestyle governed by a commonly belief system containing non-negotiable enduring core values of honor, loyalty, valor, duty and solidarity...”

AFP Code of Ethics

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) exist to conduct operations in defense of the sovereignty and integrity of the Republic of the Philippines and to support all initiatives for national development. Within the AFP, the Philippine Army is the largest of the armed services and is tasked to organize, train, equip and provide ground forces for the conduct of prompt and sustained security operations, independently or jointly with the other armed services, to achieve the defined mission whether in war or in peace.

The choice of committing his life to service in the Philippine Army is the first and only choice the soldier will make on his own. Thereafter, it is his fidelity to the core values of the Army and its standards of conduct that will preserve the soldier's life and guide him, as he marches to the beat of the drums reminiscent of all other soldiers in any army who have walked the path. France's best soldier, General Charles De Gaulle recognized this when he said:

"Men who adopt the profession of arms submit of their own free will to a law of perpetual constraint of their own accord. They reject their right to live where they choose, to eat what they want, to dress as they like. From the moment they become soldiers, it needs but an order to settle them from this place, to move them to that, to separate from their families and dislocate their normal lives. .11ii the world of command, they must rise, march, run, endure bad weather, go even without food and sleep, and be isolated in some distant post. They cease to be the masters of their own fate. If they drop on their tracks and their ashes are scattered in the four winds, it is part and parcel of their job. "

The Philippine Army soldier believes in the Republic of the Philippines. This belief likewise creates a whole-hearted belief in his task, and confidence in carrying it out for as long as it is for the welfare of the entire country. This desire for the welfare of the country binds him with the others in the spirit of camaraderie recognized as the brotherhood that binds comrades-in-arms. It binds the soldier to his mission and enables the soldier to triumph over adversity. It cuts through all ranks and captures the heart of each man whether in command or under him, unparalleled in any civilian setting, which also leads to responsibility in the collective tasks undertaken under command.

It is a truism that the Philippine Army soldier will follow an outstanding commander, When properly led, the Filipino soldier is known to achieve far more than expected of him. Leadership is therefore an important factor in bringing out the best conduct in the best conduct in the field of duty. With his solid sense of patriotism and duty, the Filipino soldier deserves the leader. It is leadership that provides the purpose, direction and motivation to accomplish the mission. Sound leadership is equally vital to the improvement of the organization. Army leadership begins with a good foundation of values and attributes that shape a leader’s character. These values propel the Army leader to be effective and competent in performing the mandated missions. The Army leader is bestowed with the greater responsibility in leading the charge, and epitomizing the finest traditions of the Philippine Army. The leader not only refers to the Officer Corps but also includes the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Corps. Together, they serve as the catalyst that effects concrete action and, in the long run, determine the fate of the whole Philippine Army. Through their synergy, they deliver the country success in any battle in all types of conflict, and pride in any activity.