Army Hosts Ultimate ROTC Challenge 2019

The Philippine Army (PA), through the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM), hosted the Ultimate Reserve Officers Training Challenge (ROTC) 2019 Part 2 from November 15 to 17 at Camp Regio de Dios, Tanza Cavite.

The activity was initiated by the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retirees Affairs, Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) to strengthen the ROTC program and to ensure the development of a responsive AFP Reserve Force.

A total of 126 cadets from the PA ROTC, Philippine Navy (PN) ROTC, Philippine Air Force (PAF) ROTC, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, Maritime Academy of Asia in the Pacific, Probationary Officer Training Course, PA Officer Candidate School (OCS), PN OCS and PAF OCS, comprised the 14 groups who participated in the event.

The challenge covered three events namely, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response; Modified Endurance Firing that includes the combat swim, one-kilometer run, and 50-meter firing; and Modified Obstacle Course that includes disassembling/assembling of M16 and firing a .45 caliber pistol.

“This event does not stop today, it continues as [we] the participants, inculcate the experience through application in real life,” shared Cadet Major Gail Yvette Tirazona of PAF ROTC as she and other selected reservists delivered their insights on the challenge.

Midshipwoman 1st Class Kimberly Joy Torrente of MAAP also said, “We learned [to] appreciate safety, observance, teamwork, and mobilization for on-hand job with focus.”

Group 3 was hailed as champion while groups 12 and 14 placed 1st runner up and 2nd Runner up respectively. Final scores were determined through the three events.

ARESCOM Commander Maj. Gen. Bernie S. Langub who served as the keynote speaker highlighted the importance of skills learned from ROTC training in their future professional fields in case of disaster or war. “You will be the future. Be sure that you continue what you have learned in your training by using it in contributing to the nation-building efforts of our country,” said Langub.(Philippine Army PR)