GUEST COLUMNIST
By Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad (Ret)
“In times of transition, those who learn and adapt inherit the future, while those who cling to the past find themselves ill-equipped for a world that has moved on.” - Eric Hoffer
Rapid leadership changes will be observed this year in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), coinciding with the swing towards the new approach – the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC). This shift in strategy although seeming to be routine carries a deeper import for the AFP and our security approaches. It signals the shift from primarily internal security operations towards external defense. It is in this view that we will delve into the impact of these changes on the defense of the country.
The CADC as described by the Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. means building our capability to ensure the security and defend the territory of the country including the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to enable the Filipinos and future generations to freely gain and benefit from the bounty that is rightfully within our domain. This not only focuses on the nation’s territorial land and waters but also our sovereign rights in the EEZ.
For the year, major changes will happen in the General Headquarters (GHQ), AFP. The number three man of the AFP, The Deputy Chief of Staff (TDCS), LtGen Charlton Sean M Gaerlan PN(M) retires in October. Six vacancies will, likewise, occur in the Deputy Chiefs of Staff (DCS) positions. Crafting and refining the nation’s strategic war plans and the combined plans in conjunction with other allied forces of other nations to include its military requirements is the primary responsibility of the Deputy Chiefs of Staff. The need for strategic workforce planning and talent management within the GHQ is therefore crucial to ensure smooth transitions.
Within the AFP, changes of command in the major services further stress the dynamic nature of leadership. The retirements of VAdm Toribio D Adaci Jr. PN as Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy (FOIC, PN) in November and LtGen Stephen Parreño PAF as Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force (CGPAF) in December shows the importance of appointing capable replacements to sustain the standards and traditions of their respective branches.
To organize, train, and equip forces for rapid and continuous air and naval operations, the CGPAF and the FOIC, respectively, are in charge of their respective Major Services. In addition, for operations specific to their Major Service, they create and develop doctrines, concepts, systems, rules, procedures, strategies, tactics, and techniques.
Shifts in leadership In the Unified Commands (UCs) also occurred and will occur. Lt. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV PA took over Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) from Lt. Gen. Efren Baluyot PA last March 2, 2024. Lt. Gen. Baluyot's tenure attained a more peaceful SOLCOM, while Lt. Gen. Palafox IV brings his expertise from leading the PA’s Armor Division to SOLCOM. Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo PA retired and Commodore Oscar Canlas Jr. assumed as the acting commander of Visayas Command (VISCOM). Later on, Lt. Gen. Fernando M. Reyeg PA (DCS for Operations, J3) was installed as the commander, VISCOM. The impending retirements of three UC commanders mark significant shifts in leadership, namely: Lt. Gen. Greg T. Almerol PA of Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMINCOM) next month; Lt. Gen. William Gonzales of Western Mindanao Command (WesMINCOM) in November; and, VAdm. Alberto B. Carlos PN of Western Command (WESCOM) in December. Lastly, six retirements are expected from the Infantry Divisions (IDs) of the PA for the year.
The positions of the UC and ID commanders are crucial in monitoring, defending, and securing their respective areas of operations following the CADC implementation plans at their respective levels. Of special mention is the WESCOM Commander who handles the West Philippine Sea which currently is a sensitive spot. A thorough successful planning is needed to guarantee operational readiness and defense of their respective areas of responsibility. Moreover, these new commanders bring with them new viewpoints and methods in their operational planning and execution. In addition, possible changes in priorities, operational objectives, and tactical methods to adjust to growing threats may be decided by these new commanders.
Transitioning towards the CADC with substantial leadership changes in the AFP reflects more than just shifts in commanders and joint staffs. These changes exhibit the AFP’s dedication to professionalism, versatility, and readiness in dealing with the shifting security threats. It is essential to acknowledge the impact of retiring commanders and usher new leaders and planners to uphold operational effectiveness and national security. The AFP can better negotiate complexity and fortify alliances by cultivating continuity and coherence, thus improving its ability to protect the Filipino people and defend the nation while reaping the benefits of the wealth that is rightfully ours.
(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 now the VP for cooperative planning and marketing of PAFCPIC, a cooperative serving the active and retired AFP personnel.)