GUEST COLUMNIST

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

Last July 21, 2023, the leadership of the AFP changed hands. Gen Andres Centino turned over the position to Gen Romeo Brawner Jr.

Succession to the highest leadership of command is predicated on a new retirement law that gives a maximum of a three-year term unless sooner terminated by the Commander-in-Chief. The old retirement law installed chiefs of staff on a short-term basis, hence, the term revolving door policy was the rule rather than the exception. By its nature, the AFP was deprived of the strategic direction and continuity of purpose. Despite this situation, the AFP did not want incapable candidates. There was always a reservoir of excellent leadership talents that can be tapped anytime. The primary reason is that the system follows a process wherein the best and the brightest always prevail. It consists of both quantitative and qualitative factors that determine the value and potential of officers for higher command positions. This is a comprehensive template used as guidelines by the Board of Generals.

When I was commanding general of Philippine Army, I infused subjective factors that reinforced the strategic value of the selection process. Among them are non-military in nature such as political, economic, social, technological, etc dimensions that affect the mission accomplishment of the AFP.

In my book Command and Leadership, page 370, I cited the requisites of leaders of excellence. The salient features are the following:

1. Ability to provide the vision, leadership, and managerial expertise developed through cumulative military service.

2. The strategic thinking to analyze and understand the various conflicts confronting the nation in internal security, external defense, and disaster and relief operations.

3. Ability to project peace and serve as a development-oriented crisis manager. He must be a change agent with a political will.

4. Ability to inspire and be an example to officers and soldiers in words and deeds. He must have the bearing, a pleasing personality, and effective communication skills to articulate wide-ranging issues affecting the AFP and the country.

5. Have a balanced career that includes command and staff, education and training, geographical and international assignments.

6. International exposure and recognized reputation among foreign counterparts is an added asset in the light of our initiatives to generate international support and cooperation from the community of nations.

7. Proven integrity, loyalty, and adherence to the constitutional process.

Change of Command is a revered ceremony in the military service. It symbolizes stability and continuity. It reflects the hallmarks of leadership excellence. In both war and peace, strategic decisions are based on choices. This is formalized through the selection of the most qualified, capable, and dedicated candidates for command positions.

Generals Centino and Brawner were the beneficiaries of this vetting process. Three major billets shaped and developed the strategic mindset of Gen. Brawner.

He was the immediate Commanding General of Philippine Army. As a Captain and a Major, he served as senior aide-de-camp to a major service commander. In the course of his outstanding services, he was always a good communicator.

The job of an aide-de-camp is no menial task. The position exposes you to an environment replete with many strategic scenarios. You are a witness to the interplay of commanders as they deliberate on various strategic decisions. You become a keen observer in many strategic engagements in command conferences, deliberation of the Board of Generals, attendance in international conferences, and interaction with civilian agencies. This exposure is very enriching. It internalizes a thought -process that expands your insights and outlook beyond the tactical level. It is a must that those designated must possess high intellectual capacity, tact and diplomacy, and communication skills. Many aide-de-camps surpassed their forebears. President Eisenhower, then a major was the aide-de-camp to General Douglas McArthur. The same can be said of Gen. Brawner. The ultimate preparation of Gen Brawner was the position as Commanding General, Philippine Army the premier major service, and the backbone of national defense and security. This position is the epitome of strategic leadership. While some were appointed as CSAFP directly from an Area Command, the track from CGPA or other major service commanders to CSAFP, provides a wider perspective and coverage in strategic thinking and leadership. 

In all facets of strategic leadership, the exercise of effective communication is a must, Gen Brawner projected this asset. He possesses eloquence and the aura of self-confidence. The Marawi campaign wherein he served as spokesperson and many other engagements are manifestations of him as a good communicator.

General Centino, the outgoing Chief of Staff, was a man of conviction. He did not cower under political pressure and stood his ground from the time he was relieved, to reappointment and eventually to retirement. He stood up to the values that define military leadership and discipline. He deserves the respect of every man in uniform.

(Lt. Gen. Jaime S. 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.)