My PMA Cadet Years (Yearling) - Perks Of Being A Cadet

June 1996 - We again had our scheduled FTX or Field Training Exercise held in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija during the first week of the month.  Using Mt. Taklang (Taclang) Damulag and its surroundings as our training ground, and conquering every task given, especially the early dawn tactical movements and simulation attacks, finding shade and water source (we had water from surrounding creeks and used the chlorine tablets given to us), and late night patrolling and guard duties as defense from the opposing group, which if I remembered correctly, composed of second class cadets or third years.  I remember it was still rotting but not as much as that of being plebes.  Since they had the heavier load, like carrying of food and other supplies and cooking paraphernalia.  That was aside from doing most of the chores.  The price of being a plebe, though hard and rotting as hell, but it's the most unforgettable and much appreciated learning  experience in a life of a PMA cadet.

The terrains of Mt. Damulag, Fort Magsaysay

Upon our return to barracks, we immediately were engaged to drills for the Independence Day parade.  And we took these practices seriously as not only our superiors but also the nation expects us to perform the best, and we take pride of it.  And as a result, our battalions were recognized as the best among the parading participants for that same year.  But in spite of everything, the real honor was being one of those who saluted those who gave their lives just to commit the freedom of our country and in the future, be the ones that will safeguard it and keep it that way.

We always maximized our stay in Manila.  We were provided enough allowance to spend during our privileges after our drills and parades.  We went to our friends and families and invited them to dine or go and watch a movie or just simply roam around the city.  I guess there's just time to be serious as there were also times to relax and have fun around, but within the boundaries and limits provided in the rules and regulations for cadets on privilege or trip, of course.

We returned to PMA a day after the parade to prepare for the start of our academics, just like that of the other universities and colleges.  Our ATM cards were also given for our monthly allowance, just enough to take care of other necessities like toiletries and hygiene stuff.  Cadets' salaries throughout their stay were only given in full by the time they graduate or depart from the academy.  Yup, as a cadet, we had basic pay and allowances just like any other government employees back then.  If I'm not mistaken, it's just above the salary of a master sergeant but lower than a 2nd lieutenant.
 

Prepared for class...

Though a cadet's life is maybe hard, there were still a lot of advantages into it.  It's not only sacrifices and hardships, we were also well taken care of inside, the basic needs (i.e. food, clothing, shelter, education, medicines and other necessities) were all well provided.  Not to mention, a future stable and progressive military career in the armed forces.  I hope I hadn't talked you in joining PMA, or had I?... hahaha.  Just make sure you're prepared, in mind and in body, it's not all perks out there.  Yahweh bless.

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My PMA Cadet Years (Fourth Class) - FTX, Chickenpox And Academics

May 29 to June 5, 1995 – Field Training Exercise (FTX).  The corps jumped off to Fort Magsaysay, where our class had our very first experience of the FTX.  This is actually designed for cadets to give them the opportunity to apply what they learned in the academy during the summer military training and to test their endurance and adaptability in the rugged terrains and under different weather conditions.  More, cadets take part of various activities such as combat simulations (i.e. attack formations, raids, patrols, interrogations, community relations and others) and practical weapon firing.

The part that I enjoyed most was the war games where two battalions would attack the other two battalions.  A gadget was attached to our M16 rifle and we were wearing a special vest where the number of hits can be recorded and counted through a device... on the other hand, when a person is hit, an alarm attached to his vest will be triggered... while the most rotting part was being the sentinel on duty... that after the whole day of activity and everyone was sleeping, I still had to keep my eyes open to guard our camp from a possible enemy attack... “the worst”.

Immediately, after we returned to PMA, I was confined in our Station Hospital (PMASH) for having chickenpox.  I suppose you may say... good for you, at least you’ll have time to take a rest after the FTX... but on the contrary, how I regretted it... Of all the days it could have chosen, why in the time when the upperclassmen will all be going to Manila for the June parade and we, plebes, would be the “kings of barracks”... I was confined for more than 2 weeks in PMASH feeling awful and uneasy because of this blisters all over my body... while my “mistahs” (classmates) were all enjoying the little freedom they had... “Sincerely!!!”

Florendo Hall... where the topmost will be my place for more than 2 years.

Melchor Hall... our academic building.

It was June 22 when I returned to barracks, academics had already started... and I needed to cope up with the lessons and other corps activities.  We particularly had similar subjects as that of other universities and colleges.  Except that we focused more on some combative sports (wrestling, boxing, judo and taekwondo) in our Physical Education subject and our usual military courses.

From here, July and August passed by slowly... how I wished I could have had fast-forwarded it (LOL)... there were a lot of activities that transpired... the corps drills, endorsements during mess, swimming and gymnastics lessons, failures and successes in lesson and unit exams, meaningful Sunday worships, “sluggable” Saturday inspections, sports fest, plebe duties, Alfa’s traditions and practices (the sundial and pomade), mase2x, laxities and endorsements... so again, mase2x and more... and before we knew it... it was already September...

During 1995 sports fest... the green alfans...

Yahweh bless.

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