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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH Army now has a reserve force composed of elite Scout Rangers

PH Army now has a reserve force composed of elite Scout Rangers

Published Aug 23, 2025 03:28 pm
Philippine Army (PA) Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete delivers keynote remarks during the activation ceremony of the Scout Ranger Regiment (Standby Reserve) at the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) headquarters, Camp Pablo Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan on Aug. 22, 2025. (Photo: PA)
Philippine Army (PA) Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete delivers keynote remarks during the activation ceremony of the Scout Ranger Regiment (Standby Reserve) at the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) headquarters, Camp Pablo Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan on Aug. 22, 2025. (Photo: PA)
The Philippine Army (PA) has formally activated the reserve component of its elite Scout Rangers, expanding the reach of one of the military’s most battle-tested units.
Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, himself a full-blooded Scout Ranger, led the activation ceremony of the Scout Ranger Regiment (Standby Reserve) at the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) headquarters, Camp Pablo Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan on Friday, Aug. 22.
The newly activated unit is composed exclusively of graduates and retired members of the Scout Ranger Course.
Nafarrete said the activation of the Scout Ranger reserve force aims to bolster the military’s operational readiness and provide additional support for territorial defense and internal security missions.
He emphasized that by activating the unit, the Army is preserving the troops’ skills and warrior ethos, ensuring they are passed on to the next generation.
The move also highlighted the Army’s broader effort to strengthen its reserve force, which is seen as a vital component in responding not only to security challenges but also to humanitarian and disaster response operations.
Major Gen. Ramon Zagala, commander of the Army Reserve Command and concurrent acting commander of the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID), emphasized the invaluable contributions of the former Scout Rangers, saying their unique skills and experience, honed through the rigorous Scout Ranger Course, make them valuable assets to the nation's defense.
The Scout Rangers, known for their expertise in jungle warfare and counterinsurgency, have played a key role in major military campaigns, including the 2017 Marawi siege.
Zagala said that establishing a reserve regiment ensures that their specialized skills can be harnessed more widely across the armed forces when needed.
Army officials said the activation aligns with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) shift to external defense as tensions continue to rise in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The reserve force is expected to undergo training to maintain the unit’s reputation as a dependable quick-reaction force.
At present, the Army has around 32,600 reservists under the Ready Reserve Infantry Battalions and 1.2 million more as part of the standby reserves.

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