A total of 627 new recruits, representing the third batch of candidate soldiers for the year, officially began their Basic Military Training during the opening ceremony and reception rites for Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) Class 794-2024 at the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command, Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac on July 19, 2024.
Initial Military Training Center Acting Commander Col. Harold M. Cabunoc inspired the class by sharing the story of Captain Jacuba, who selflessly committed his life to carrying out the responsibility of defending the nation even if it endangered his own life.
“Being a soldier requires having a positive mental attitude, and a combination of dedication, courage, discipline, and selflessness. The four-month CSC, which is facilitated by the School for Candidate Soldier, will mold the trainees into capable, committed and competent infantrymen of the Philippine Army,” Philippine Army Spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala said.
Dema-ala stated that the Philippine Army leadership has set a quota of around 4,000 candidate soldiers for 2024 with the 627 members of CSC Class 794-2024 forming part of the year’s third training cycle.
“It can be noted that the Philippine Army is implementing for the first time this year the Centralized Recruitment Program for Candidate Soldiers which is designed to recruit capable and qualified applicants in a systematic and efficient manner,“ he explained.
Army said that the Centralized Recruitment enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of the recruitment process to ensure that the best and most qualified candidates are selected in accordance with the needs and required competencies of the Army.
