A Filipino army scout ranger has graduated from the United States (US) Ranger School, the first Philippine Army soldier in a long time to do so, the US Embassy in Manila said.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Jan. 29, the US Embassy congratulated 1st Lt. Castillion Antalis of the Philippine Army Scout Rangers for his achievement.
"Lt. Antalis is the first Philippine Army soldier to complete this intense combat leadership training in over a decade," the US Embassy said.
Antalis said the training made him flexible and skilled in leading combat operations, which he intends to impart to his fellow Filipino soldiers.
“Ranger course is a very challenging small unit leadership course. It will make the student physically and mentally tough, flexible and skilled in leading a unit in combat operations," Antalis said.
"During my training in United States, I met new friends from different countries and learned from the host country and their professional and approachable staff. I am most excited that I can use the skills I learned at the U.S. Army Ranger Course to train Philippine Army Soldiers in my current posting at the Scout Ranger School, Camp Tucson,” he added.
US Ranger School is one of the toughest training courses where a soldier can volunteer, according to the US Army. It trains army volunteers in combat arms related functional skills.