By Francis T. Wakefield Want to join the Army? Read this. The Philippine Army (PA)has opened 6,100 slots for men, women, and indigenous peoples this year to strengthen its forces against insurgency and terrorism. Philippine Army Spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie D. Villanueva said of this number, five percent will be allocated for female recruits while another five percent will be for indigenous peoples. Villanueva said the recruits will fill up the troop requirements for the activation of 10 new Infantry Battalions and one Scout Ranger Battalion (SRB). Currently, seven out of the 10 battalions and the SRB have already been activated. “These additional Army units aim to further strengthen the Army’s capability in addressing the various threats, particularly terrorism besetting the country,” Villanueva said. Villanueva said recruitment is now going on and training will start in June. The Philippine Army will prioritize its recruitment in the following order:Graduates of Military Science 43 and Advance ROTC, college graduates, those with 72 units and above in college,  high school graduates but possess technical and vocational skills needed by the Philippine Army. The applicant must be a natural born Filipino citizen, at least 18 to 25 years old on the date of appointment as candidate soldier, at least five feet or 60 inches in height, single and without child, of good moral character, should have passed the Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery / Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test, should have passed the pre-qualifying physical fitness test and physical medical exam, and must be physically and mentally fit for military training. Interested applicants may visit the Army recruitment centers located in three major areas -- Cagayan De Oro City, Cebu City, and Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. They may also visit the Philippine Army website or visit the nearest Army base in their respective localities for inquiries. “With the current efforts of the Army to further build up its force, there is a good opportunity that has been opened for our youth and everyone who would like to serve the country. Soldiery is a noble profession that is not only different and worthwhile, but also offers continuous growth and career development,” Villanueva noted. The Philippine Army under the stewardship of Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D. Bautista aims continue its mission of developing a modern Army that is responsive and capable in addressing threats against its people and defend the sovereignty of the country.