BARRACKS AND STRATEGY
By Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret)
As the CSAFP (Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines) was recently installed and a change of command for the CGPA (Commanding General Philippine Army) occurs today, a sense of excitement and hope permeates the ranks of our armed forces. The new CSAFP and incoming CGPA have already made a lasting impression on the soldiers they are set to lead, exemplifying virtues that inspire confidence and trust in their abilities. Rather than relying on the conventional approach to introducing commanders, I aim to shed light on their virtues as perceived through the eyes of the soldiers who have had the privilege to serve with them. Through personal interactions and experiences, we gain valuable insights into the exceptional leadership of these two distinguished officers.
At the forefront of our nation's defense stands the newly appointed CSAFP, General Romeo Brawner Jr. Throughout his illustrious career, he has demonstrated virtues that deeply resonate with the soldiers under his command. Foremost among these virtues is General Brawner's compassion and empathy for his troops which gives the soldiers assurance that their welfare will be upheld and their sacrifices recognized and appreciated under his leadership.
A leader with a servant's heart, General Brawner Jr. embodies outstanding leadership traits and professionalism. Embracing the mantra of SERVE, he wholeheartedly dedicates himself to guiding his personnel in the implementation of substantive programs, ensuring responsiveness to address the Army's multifaceted needs. His ability to motivate encourages his team to showcase their full potential, fostering an environment where their talents are brought to the forefront. Furthermore, his exceptional communication skills create a transparent and comprehensible flow of information from higher echelons of command to the lowest levels, even extending to witty and insightful responses during interviews. General Brawner's kind, humble, and approachable demeanor enhances his effectiveness as a mentor. Soldiers find him tolerant, fair, and circumspect in his decision-making, as he actively seeks their input, which fosters a shared sense of purpose and commitment.
Having worked with then-Colonel Brawner Jr. on two occasions, I witnessed his commitment and dedication firsthand. He was one of my division chiefs when I was the deputy chief of staff for operations, J3, and there he displayed his adeptness in planning that will serve him well in his current position as CSAFP. Additionally, during his time as the civil-military operations staff of Eastern Mindanao Command, I saw how his diplomatic savvy vastly improved relationships with various stakeholders in the internal security operations of the Command. I knew then that he will go places, such that when he was asked to occupy another higher position, I prodded him to accept without question the position for his advancement.
On the other hand, the incoming CGPA, Lieutenant General Roy Galido, is held in equally high esteem across the ranks. Rising through the ranks with tenacity and dedication, he embodies virtues that resonate with his soldiers. His open-mindedness which encourages feedback and ideas from soldiers of all ranks, fosters inclusivity and empowerment. By actively engaging with soldiers during training exercises and informal gatherings, he creates a sense of camaraderie and trust within his unit.
Lieutenant General Roy Galido's meticulous nature and keen eye for detail are exceptional qualities that make him a highly effective leader. His ability to pay close attention to even the smallest aspects of a situation ensures that operations are thoroughly planned and executed with precision, minimizing risks and maximizing success. Furthermore, his kind demeanor and empathy create a positive and united working environment, where soldiers feel valued and supported, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and enhancing overall performance. These virtues position him as an inspiring leader. Lieutenant General Galido's family-centered values and commitment to a healthy lifestyle further endear him to his troops.
I also have the occasion to work with Lieutenant General Galido while I was a captain and he was still a lieutenant. I observed that he was always giving his best efforts, and always prompt in any tasks required from his end. What I find more noteworthy is his attitude. He is always willing to learn to improve his knowledge and skills. This trait served him well over the years as he matured and developed as an epitome of a general officer.
The most significant virtue shared by both General Brawner Jr. and Lieutenant General Galido is their commitment to building a cohesive and unified force and, most importantly, to shifting to an external defense for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Recognizing that the strength of the AFP lies in the unity of its members, they actively promote teamwork and mutual support. By fostering such a culture, they are creating a joint force capable of confronting future challenges with unity and resilience.
(Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret) served as the 8th commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, the 32nd commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, and the former deputy chief of staff for Operations, J3 of the AFP. He is a graduate of Master in Development Management (with Dist) of AIM. He is now the VP for cooperative planning and marketing of PAFCPIC, a cooperative serving the active and retired AFP personnel.)