The Philippine Army (PA) is looking to recruit more reservists to boost its responding force particularly during times of calamities and potential conflicts in the future.
Maj. Gen. Romulo A. Manuel Jr., commander of the PA Reserve Command (Rescom), revealed this during his visit to the Army Aviation Regiment based in Fort Magsaysay in Palayan, Nueva Ecija on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Manuel discussed with Col. Richard T. Servito, commander of the Army Aviation Regiment, his thrust of developing the Army Reserve Component as base for expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) “in the event of war, invasion, or rebellion” as well as “relief and rescue during disasters or calamities”.
He said the Army reserve force can also assist in socio-economic development initiatives of the military; and in the operation and maintenance of essential government or private utilities.
During his visit, Manuel inspected the aviation facilities, ground support equipment, and aircraft at the Army Aviation Regiment.
He emphasized the need for the regiment to “train your own reserves” so that they will have a capable force that can be activated anytime to respond to any eventuality.
He also said the Army is authorized to organize the Aviation Battalion (Reserve) based on the current AFP Reserve Force Table of Organization.
Reservists played a key role in the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations of the AFP during the recent storm Kristine and typhoon Leon.
Meanwhile, Servito mentioned his plan to help organize Army affiliated reserve units from the civil aviation sector and aviation ready reserve units composed of licensed pilots, aircraft mechanics, and other aviation professionals as part of the Army’s Land Defense Concept, a key component of the AFP’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).
Recently, two Army reservists who are also licensed pilots were called to active duty to serve the Army Aviation Regiment.