Philippine Army

Philippine Army. The Philippine Army is the main, oldest, and largest branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, responsible for all land-based military operations. Tracing its origins to the Tejeros Convention and the revolutionary forces of the Philippine Revolution, it is a key institution in the nation's defense and internal security. Its modern mission encompasses territorial defense, counter-insurgency, disaster response, and support to national development.

History

The army's lineage begins with the revolutionary forces of the Katipunan, formally established following the Tejeros Convention in 1897 under General Emilio Aguinaldo. It fought in the Philippine Revolution against Spain and later the Philippine–American War against the United States. After the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, the army was reestablished as part of the Republic of the Philippines following independence in 1946. It has been continuously engaged in internal conflicts, primarily against the Communist Party of the Philippines and its New People's Army, as well as separatist groups like the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Abu Sayyaf.

Organization

The army is headed by the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, based at Fort Andres Bonifacio. Its operational forces are organized into several Infantry Divisions spread across the archipelago, such as the 1st Infantry Division in Mindanao and the 7th Infantry Division in Luzon. Major support commands include the Army Support Command and the specialized Special Operations Command, which oversees elite units like the First Scout Ranger Regiment and the Special Forces Regiment.

Equipment

The army's inventory includes a mix of legacy and modernizing systems. Its main battle tanks are the Sabrah light tanks and upgraded M113s. Artillery pieces range from towed M101 and M114 howitzers to modern Soltam M-71 guns and Elbit Systems ATMOS 2000 truck-mounted systems. Individual firearms are being modernized through the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act, with new acquisitions including Remington MSR sniper rifles, M4 carbines, and Israel Weapon Industries products.

Ranks and insignia

The army uses a rank structure similar to the United States Army, with distinct insignia for commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted personnel. The highest rank is General, followed by Lieutenant General, Major General, and Brigadier General. Senior enlisted leadership is provided by the Command Sergeant Major of the Philippine Army. Rank insignia are worn on shoulder boards for officers and sleeves or chevrons for enlisted personnel.

Training and education

Officer candidates are primarily trained at the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio, which grants a bachelor's degree and a commission. The Officer Candidate School provides an alternative route for college graduates and enlisted personnel. Enlisted training is conducted at the Training and Doctrine Command headquarters at Camp O'Donnell. Specialized schools include the Scout Ranger Course and the Special Forces Operations Course at Fort Magsaysay.

Deployments and operations

The army's primary deployment is internal, conducting continuous Counter-insurgency operations across the country, particularly in Mindanao and Visayas. It also plays a major role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief during events like Typhoon Haiyan and the Mayon Volcano eruptions. Internationally, the army has contributed to United Nations peacekeeping missions, such as in East Timor and Golan Heights. It regularly participates in bilateral exercises with allies like the United States through Balikatan and with Australia under the Philippines–Australia Visiting Forces Agreement.