BARRACKS AND STRATEGY

By Lt. Gen. Jaime S. de los Santos, AFP (Ret)

“Call, sir; may Fourth Classman Dela Cruz enter the room, sir!" This ritual ushers the entry of a plebe into the room of an upperclassman. It distinguishes the rights and privileges bestowed upon senior cadets. These perks, however, are replete with awesome responsibilities tempered with strict control mechanisms to curb excesses and abuses. In a likely manner, this article ushers in its entry into this column. Barracks and Strategy will cover issues and concerns surrounding the military and other uniformed services as they relate to strategy. By definition, a barracks is a facility, where soldiers live, train, and perform various activities relative to or having to do with the accomplishment of a mission. By virtue of its military nature, it is governed by a set of military rules and regulations that are strictly enforced, infractions of which demand sanctions and punishments. Military establishments have their roots in the barracks. It is the foundation from which military culture and values evolved. The state of its readiness to fight is determined by the infrastructure of its facilities, the quality of its officers and men, and the systems and procedures that govern its administration and operations. Military values that shaped a warrior's mindset were developed within the confines of the barracks. Its bedrock is military discipline—the state of order and obedience within a command. It involves the ready subordination of the will of the individual for the good of the group. Military discipline is applied with justifiable reason. When appeal to reasons fail, punishment may be applied judiciously. Military discipline has a critical role in ensuring the efficiency, effectiveness, and success of any military operation. It also aids in the maintenance of order upholds the value of responsibility, and fosters camaraderie and loyalty.

The leader-follower relationship

Is a principle that states that one cannot become a leader who has not known to obey. Military hierarchical organization is based on this concept, around which the principles of chain of command and defined individual responsibility revolve. As military leaders, it is crucial that they inspire and motivate their subordinates, set clear expectations, and provide feedback to usher improvement among their followers. As followers, it is expected that they are disciplined, obedient, and focused on accomplishing the mission. The military operates in an environment of warfare and warfighting, in which its sole purpose is to win wars and battles. Having these principles and characteristics ingrained and trained within the organization can dictate the line between victory and defeat.

Esprit de corps

Identifies the standing of a unit relative to other military units. The pride of every individual soldier to belong to an elite organization provides the inertia and momentum to perform, excel, and win. Team spirit breaks down barriers. It empowers the individual soldier with a deep sense of responsibility as a mechanism for growth and transformation. It can be developed thru their shared experiences, traditions, and values. In military strategy, the sense of esprit de corps can have a significant impact as it can create a highly motivated and coordinated force capable of overcoming obstacles where courage, resilience, and teamwork are required. It can promote effective communication, coordination, and collaboration among troops.

Leadership

It is in the barracks where the sense of leadership starts. From small units to the higher echelons of command, leadership is always the pervasive factor. Military leaders inspire and direct their troops toward a clear and common objective. They are responsible for making sure that their troops are properly trained, equipped, and prepared. Having a combination of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and personal qualities like courage and discipline makes an effective leader. On Feb. 18, 2023, the Philippine Military Academy held its alumni homecoming in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City. It is an annual activity that brings together alumni from many generations. This pompous ceremony is part and parcel of what projects the strength and power of any military establishments. The PMA is one of its institutions that showcases the professionalism and excellence of its officer corps. The PMA alumni all share a common thread. They all started their careers in the cadet barracks, in Fort del Pilar. All were subjected to the rigors of extreme physical stress and academic grind. In the end, only the best and the brightest survived. Their education and training provided and molded their tactical mindset. It is here that discipline was instilled, physical limits were tested, leadership was developed, and strategic and tactical thinking was honed. The barracks mentality that has provided them with unending stories that only a cadet can understand has since been transformed into a strategic mindset, especially for the mature and elderly. The challenge is a direct call to what the barracks experience has provided for all its cadets and officers – discipline, loyalty, unity, leadership, and excellence.
*(Gen. de los Santos served with distinction as a military professional, 42nd Commanding Gen. Philippine Army, 1st Force Commander, UN Multi-National Peacekeeping Force in East Timor, former member, UP Board of Regents and Professorial Lecturer II (part-time), UP-Diliman.)*