The birth of the Philippine Army dates back when the First Philippine Republic was founded. Through the years, it was stood firm against the numerous challenges, be it from within the organization or outside, and produced dauntless heroes in the pursuit of its mandate of preserving the integrity and sovereignty of the state. Over and above its traditional missions, the Army has proven to be an effective partner in nation-building. Amidst the ever changing environment, it has evolved and has remained a relevant and formidable element of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
 

            The driving force that has steered the Army for the successes in the performance of its multifarious tasks were attributed on the leaders at various level of command. Leadership will always play a crucial role in the organization. Leadership provides purpose, direction and motivation for the soldiers to carry out their duties with sincerity and dedication. The Philippine Army has been a witness to outstanding leaders who had the chance of taking the helm in pursuing the organization’s mission, thrust, and ideals. They had enliven the spirit of professionalism that the Philippine Army espouses.
 

            The 21^st century imposes a mammoth challenge which the Army should face head on. In these trying times of ailing economy as well as prevailing issues on the credibility of the leadership at various levels, the Philippine Army will surely have its share on the issues that will provide impact on the relevance and reliability of the organization. This is the burden to be carried not only by the leadership in the Army itself but for the whole Officer Corps.
 

            The Officer Corps is the nucleus of the Army organization. A weak Officer Corps will rebound to a weak Army, likewise, a disunited one will effect disunity in the organization. Therefore, the challenges ahead demand that leadership should be placed on a higher plane, where professionalism is a given virtue, where there is competence and commitment. In a nutshell, three areas needs reflection for enhancement, the desirable knowledge, skills and attitudes that each of the Officer Corps should possess.
 

            While it is paramount for officers to possess the necessary combat skills considering that they will be leading men in combat operations especially at the early stage of their commissionship, critical thinking necessitate that as one climb each step in the ladder, each one should have the attitude of “thinking outside the box” and must know how to look at things not only for the present but also for the future. He must have the knowledge to discern things further in order to have a better grasp of the current stature of the organization as well as charter the course for its future. Officers therefore should not only be combat leaders but academicians as well.
 

            Many say that it only takes a willed leader to transform the Army into an organization that will fulfill the aspirations of our countrymen for a genuine and lasting peace conducive to development and progress. However, the process of transformation not only rests on a good leader but also on a great vision. And our is “A Professional, Capable & Responsible Army that is a Source of National Pride”. Towards this end, everyone must work and regardless of who takes the reins in leading us, we must continue, pursuing this. There must be a culture of continuity to make sure that the labors of the past will not be put to waste; and that our brave brothers and those that came after them shall reap their benefits. Then the legacy and well-founded visions of our past leaders will soon be realized. The road has been drawn, we must march in cadence along this road! (CTP)