Philippine Army

Philippine Army
Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Army · Public domain · source
Unit name	Philippine Army
Native name	Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas
Caption	Flag of the army
Start date	1897 (roots); 1935 (modern)
Country	Philippines
Branch	Armed Forces of the Philippines
Type	Land warfare
Role	Ground combat, internal security, disaster response
Size	~100,000 (varies)
Garrison	Fort Bonifacio, Taguig
Garrison label	Headquarters
Nickname	PA
Motto	"We, the Army"
Colors	Army Green
March	"Army Song"
Anniversary	March 22
Commander1	President (Commander-in-Chief)
Commander1 label	Civilian leadership
Commander2	Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines
Commander3	Commanding General

Philippine Army is the primary land force of the Philippines responsible for national defense, internal security, and disaster response. It traces institutional roots to revolutionary formations of the late 19th century and was organized into a modern force during the Commonwealth era. The army operates alongside the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and law enforcement bodies to address insurgency, territorial defense, and humanitarian crises.

History

Origins derive from revolutionary armies such as those led by Andrés Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, and the Katipunan during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish Empire. During the Philippine–American War the forces faced reorganization under colonial administration, followed by expansion during the Commonwealth of the Philippines when the Philippine military was formalized under the National Defense Act of 1935. In World War II units fought in the Battle of Bataan and Battle of Corregidor before reconstruction under postwar independence. Cold War and postwar periods involved counterinsurgency campaigns against the Hukbalahap Rebellion and later New People's Army, as well as operations against groups like Abu Sayyaf and Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Recent history includes modernization efforts aligned with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act and participation in multinational exercises such as Balikatan and Rim of the Pacific Exercise.

Organization and Structure

The army is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and is organized into major commands, regional units, and specialized formations. Principal formations include infantry divisions, mechanized brigades, artillery units, aviation regiment elements, and support formations such as logistics and medical units. Geographic commands map to the Philippine archipelago with units assigned to regions like Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; notable installations include Fort Bonifacio and Camp Aguinaldo. Specialized components include the Philippine Army Reserve Command, civil-military operations units, and military intelligence branches which coordinate with agencies such as the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency.

Roles and Operations

Primary missions encompass territorial defense, internal security operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR). The army has conducted sustained counterinsurgency campaigns against the New People's Army and conducted operations versus Abu Sayyaf in the southern Philippines, often coordinating with the Philippine National Police and international partners such as the United States Armed Forces under bilateral agreements. The force also supports responses to natural disasters including typhoons impacting Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) response efforts and earthquake relief operations. Internationally, the army contributes personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions and participates in multinational exercises like Balikatan and cooperation on issues related to the South China Sea.

Equipment and Capabilities

Equipment ranges from small arms to armored vehicles, artillery, and aviation assets. Small arms include rifles and crew-served weapons procured from suppliers such as Israel Weapon Industries, FN Herstal, and legacy stocks from United States Department of Defense transfers. Armored and mechanized capabilities include vehicles like the M113 armored personnel carrier and light armored vehicles acquired through bilateral programs. Artillery and fire-support systems include towed howitzers and rocket systems; air-mobile capability is provided by the army aviation component operating helicopters procured from manufacturers such as Sikorsky and Bell Helicopter. Modernization programs under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act have led to acquisitions including armored personnel carriers, surveillance systems, coastal defense assets, and communications upgrades. Logistics, engineering, and medical support enhance expeditionary and HA/DR capabilities.

Training and Doctrine

Doctrine emphasizes counterinsurgency, combined arms, jungle warfare, and disaster response. Training institutions include officer candidate schools, non-commissioned officer courses, specialized schools for infantry, artillery, armor, engineer, and aviation branches, as well as joint training with the Philippine Marine Corps and United States Army advisers during exercises. Units undergo rotations at training centers such as the Philippine Army Training Command facilities and specialized ranges for live-fire and maneuver. Doctrine draws on historical lessons from the Philippine–American War, World War II engagements, and modern counterterrorism operations, integrating lessons from multinational partners through exchanges and attendance at institutions like the Naval Postgraduate School or regional defense colleges.

Insignia, Ranks, and Uniforms

Rank structure parallels models influenced by the United States Armed Forces with commissioned officer ranks from second lieutenant to general and enlisted ranks from private to sergeant major. Branch insignia denote specialty in infantry, armor, artillery, engineers, signals, medical, and intelligence, often displayed on service uniforms. Uniform patterns range from service dress to combat uniforms; camouflage patterns and tactical equipment have evolved with procurements and standards influenced by partnerships with suppliers and interoperability requirements for exercises such as Balikatan. Decorations and awards include service medals and campaign badges instituted under national regulations, with honors linked to historical campaigns like Bataan and counterinsurgency operations.

Category:Military units and formations of the Philippines