A total of 120 recruits commenced their military journey during the Opening Ceremony of Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) Class 771-2023 at the headquarters of the Armor “Pambato” Division in Camp O’Donnell, Barangay Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac on May 24, 2023.
Armor Division’s Chief of Staff Col. Charlemagne F. Batayola, who served as the opening ceremony’s guest of honor and speaker, emphasized to the trainees that mounted warriors maintain a high standard of professionalism and discipline. It can be noted that the Armor Division is one of the Philippine Army Major Units (PAMUs) that is at the forefront of the organization's modernization thrust.
The 120-strong CSC Class 771-2023 is composed of 105 males and 15 females who possess skills in various fields of expertise. The trainees hurdled a series of examinations that tested their physical strength, mental ability and emotional stability. They will undergo the four-month rigorous Basic Military Training followed by the nearly two-month specialization training.
“Ang pagsasanay na ito ay susubok sa inyong pagkatao at susukat sa inyong katatagan sa aspeto ng mental, saykolohikal at pisikal. Sa hudyat ng pagsisimula ng inyong pagsasanay, tandaan lang ninyo ang mga ito. Obey, Focus, Perform and Pray,” Col. Batayola told the aspiring soldiers. Col. Batayola also thanked the parents of the aspiring soldiers for entrusting their sons and daughters to the Armor School whose mission is to transform trainees into responsible and competent "Mounted Warriors."
Photos from the Armor “Pambato” Division, Philippine Army