THE AFP TODAY

By: Karla Tricia

 

           

       The AFP today has really changed a lot. It is because nowadays, the soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are mostly professionals. They are now composed of Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, Pilots, Engineers, Architects, Artist, and even Priest and other professions as well.

 

       Not only that, they now have “modern” or more commonly known as “hi-tech” gadgets, numerous military vehicles and aircrafts. Despite of not having their brand new gadgets still, it helps our soldiers and civilians to make their tasks easy for them. Surprisingly, some of those are actually recycled by the soldiers such as some tanks and other weapons. It shows their creativity. I hope they will continue doing it.

 

       Before, when we say soldiers, automatically we conclude that it’s about “war” but now, When we say soldiers, we begin to ask “what kind of soldier are you?” because they were designated by different profession.

 

       I believe, that even though the Soldiers of the AFP don’t have the most expensive and hi-tech Gadgets, weapons and transportations, It doesn’t mean they don’t have enough knowledge. In fact, they are the real survivors they don’t easily surrender instead, they fight until the end without complaining even if their uniforms and combat shoes are already worn out. They are really skilled when it comes to jungle survival.

 

       Few years ago, the AFP conducted outreach programs and activities that help civilians specially those who are in the mountains and other far areas. It’s called CMO (Civil Military Operations) headed by NADESCOM (National Development Support Command). They are conducting medical missions, dental missions, Building schools, cleaning in the barangays and schools, building roads, teaching in some schools that have been in a war prone areas and some far areas in the Philippines.

         

           

       The AFP has now representative in UN (United Nations) Peace keeping mission in other parts of the world known as Gallant Philippine Peacekeepers. They are helping other countries to maintain peace and order. There are two types of deployments of UN in the country that will have deployment, Inter State and Intra State. Inter State means External Problem and Intra State means Internal Problem. Like Syria and Israel they belong to Inter State. While Haiti and Liberia belong to Intra State. The Peace Keepers stayed for about six to seven months.

 

       The AFP is now in social networking sites like facebook and twitter aside from their websites. It is now easier to communicate and get updates from them. More and more people are actually putting their eyes on AFP to know what's happening to them. For me, the AFP should be more open to the public so that people will understand them, but at the same time they must be watchful of people who are against them.

 

       I am hoping and praying that the AFP today will be able to provide remedial measures to those military personnel who are in dire need of proper guidance. I hope that the next generation will continue to be honest and transparent as they protect our people and our territories. Thank you for all your sacrifices, the fear and pains you have been through . Stay strong. Thank you for everything you've done for us. Keep safe always. God bless you all. Salute to all the soldiers!