Rigorous training

The video purportedly showing Philippine Army soldiers inflicting pain and violence during training to would-be soldiers can be viewed in two perspectives.

For groups who are out to destroy the credibility of the military, they can do this to capitalize on the video footage and picture them as torturers.

From my viewpoint however, I think that, it is part and parcel of the Armed Forces to conduct intensive training and prepare future soldiers in combat and in all other aspects of soldiery. This is in order to condition their mind to the worst possible situations that they might encounter in battle. How can they protect us if they have inadequate training and unable to surpass difficult challenges in doing so? Training would-be soldiers means to make them well-rounded, and capable to serve and protect us and the nation by being able to endure harshness and pain that an ordinary civilian should be spared from.

A retired military man once told me that he is so thankful in the way the military trained him, for it provided him with the character to withstand pressure-laden situations amid the heat of battles. Years later he retired honorably as the training he underwent helped him to be what he is as a soldier.

Just as in all stories, there will always be a protagonist and antagonist. The antagonist will always fight against the hero and will always try to stop the hero’s good deeds. In our country, armed insurgents continue to fight the authorities and the AFP and will continue to try to defile its image and credibility when the opportunity arises. It’s quite heartening that our soldiers do not let this distraction affect the performance of their sworn duty, of protecting the people and the state.