Mandatory ROTC

THE Japanese Imperial invasion followed in WWII and never, as trumpeted by the “far-left” and ultra-nationalists, due to the US presence. A covert/ tentacular plan was hatched in 1921 with the “Social Problems Research Institute,” otherwise known as ‘University Lodging House’ in the shadow of the Imperial Palace led by Crown Prince Hirohito, to conquer half of the world with the “strike North” (Soviet Union/Siberia) school and “strike South” (China/South EastAsia) school. This is the reality of our strategically located republic. For an archipelago, we require an effective air force and navy as first line of defense. The random costing of an F-16 C/D: $47 million each; MIG 29K: $46.9 M. A diesel submarine, German 212/Italian Todaro: $371 M. We can ill-afford them. What we are abundant with, to defend the islands are people. Every island a fortress. We can build a credible ‘Reservist Force’ with ROTC, and prepare the entire citizenry as an “invisible army” in an invasion scenario. ROTC must never be viewed as a mere “military/good citizenship course.” It is a reservist cadre system to build the national defense posture. I recently, I submitted a 4-page proposal on Reservist Affairs to the Defense Department e.g. 1) Basic ROTC renamed as Citizen’s Army Course/Training since they do not graduate as officers. The Advance Course is ROTC proper 2) Rifle firing included in the Basic phase 3) Appointed ROTC “Good Governance Advisor” – priest, or PTA Member, or Reservist Officer 4) Serial number of Graduates in the Basic military course shall be incorporated in respective ‘Transcript of Records’ to prevent loss, double usage, and expedite entry into Ready Reserve Units of the AFP; 5) Referenced from historical, political and constitutional grounds, the creation of a second ‘Office of the AFP Vice Chief of Staff for Reservists and Citizen Armed Force Development’. Current structure with a Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist Affairs 0-J9, is a demoted office in contrast to the 1987 Constitution’s mandate to build-up a Citizen Armed Force. The error is in overlooking the Constitutional Commissioners intent. Patent mistake is in RA 7077 Reservist Act, when the terms ‘Reservists’ and ‘Citizen Armed Force’ are similarly defined. The concept constricted with what should be the “Uniformed Reservist Army” as force multiplier, and an “Invisible Army” (non-uniformed), with the citizens themselves as institutionalized/trained guerilla fighters, doctors, engineers etc. when “State functions” cease to exist. Who & which office is responsible for preparing all Citizens to defend their homes, community and country? 6) Simplify Reservist requirements: a) Barangay & NBI Clearance b) Drug test c) G-2 clearance d) Health clearance from provincial hospitals or private doctors including signed waiver in favor of the AFP. Reservists volunteer talent, finances, logistics, & networking, why not their health? 7) Amend RA 10121 NDRRMC Law, Sec. 12. The LDRRMOs & BDRRMCs shall organize & train volunteer Reservist Units under supervision by local Army RCDGs, CDCs, etc., so overnight, human assistance and disaster response, plus security is addressed. Etc.