My PMA Cadet Years (Yearling) - Surviving Academics

February 1997

My yearling pic.

2 to 3- Our yearling framed picture were given this day to each member of our class.  It may be an advance gift/ congratulations for successfully conquering our second year in PMA or a parting gift as a remembrance that once we've became cadets in the academy.  There's no telling really for it was weeks before our final academic exams.  This just meant that soon our dress coat's chevrons will be raised to its shoulders and a second stripe will be gained.  The second class or 3rd year  (also known to cadet's as "cow year") was fast approaching.  I sent the plebe (1st year) pic home the following day.

4- Our company won "Major A" (first place) in the cross country run competition.  A lot of our players landed on top.  Me, I finished part of the 20's, far from my rank in the previous year.  Maybe because as a plebe you run faster especially when an upperclassman in your back tells you, "the worse, plebo (plebe)... dash and dash... you'll be reporting to me when I finish ahead of you".  Speaking of military intimidation, I mean encouragement... hahaha.

5- I joined the camera club.  Like any other universities, we also had membership on extracurricular activities like clubs and associations.  Here, we were just taught of the basics in handling and operating the camera.  There were no formal photography lessons, just passing and sharing experiences from a cadet to another cadet.  More, members of the camera club were excused in our foundation day parade, so it was what cadets called as "talent"... hehehe.

8- Me and a former squad mate were tasked to be on official business in Baguio to buy some flowers for our religious services.  We were in luck to see the city preparing for the start of their flower festival.  Though the streets were becoming crowded as local and foreign tourists came to witness the event, there was still a jolly atmosphere.

10 and 11- Running events.  I was a contender in a 400m dash and ranked 3rd in my group.  The following day, our company was 3rd place in the overall track & field.  Where's the nearest lotto outlet? LOL. 

15- Foundation Day parade... I'm with my camera... camera club... it was a different experience as you see your fellow cadets' actual parade.  A thing not everyone had a chance to see or do, witnessing the event in the grandstand and capturing moments in the camera I was using then.

16- Alumni Homecoming parade.  I was not exempted anymore... it would already be "shabbiness" on my part.  And one won't like to be termed as "shabby", as for cadets it means "taking due advantage in a not so nice manner".  Nevertheless, it was a great event, as PMA alumni march in front of us within their respective classes... snappy.

A pose before the parade proper.

18 to 20- The moment of truth,  Final exams in academics.  Got Physics, Government, Differential Calculus, History, Philosophy and Computer.  They say, yearlings had the hardest subjects which normally are the main reason of cadets being discharged or turned-back (repeating the year level).  Well, I couldn't agree more, I was actually crossing my fingers and continuously praying... and studying like there's no tomorrow, during those times.

22- For a moment I thought my life as a cadet would already end.  I didn't find any class schedule for the next semester that day.  Maybe I looked so down that my room mates couldn't bear to give me a hint, so there it was... hidden inside my study table.  Just couldn't contain my gladness that I finally passed math's differential calculus.  I thanked Yahweh for it.

But not all mistah(s) were able to make it through, in our company alone, there were 6 being discharged that day.  Simply saying that academics inside the academy was a serious matter and not to be taken for granted, as that of the other universities and colleges. 

23 to 27- Just when I was about to breath, academics started already... but there's no room for complaints, the Filipino people were paying for us to study and do good.  And that's part of our duty.  Yahweh bless.

My PMA Cadet Years (Yearling) - Spending Time With Families

January 1997

1 to 2- Celebrated the new year with my family.  I also went to see my friends in high school to have a quick catching up with them.   Although having all those moments with friends and family, still I hadn't cleared my mind of my rotting math subject (differential calculus).  Since I needed to pass it so I'll continue being part of class 99 or else I'll be "turned back" being a yearling again, joining the class of 2000. 

3- Maximized my stay by meeting friends in college (former school), before riding a poker plane to Manila.   It was my first time to travel with a smaller plane of the Air Force (being used to commercial airlines or C-130) and remembered one thing, stopovers... a lot of them. hehehe.  Then my routine: arrived in Manila, then went to the bus station in Pasay for Baguio.

4 to 5- Since I arrived in Baguio a day earlier before the termination of our holiday break, I got to stay in foster parents house, my first.  I met my foster sisters and bro (meg, tatin and noni) and got acquainted with them.  They were kids when I remembered them back then, and out of curiosity, looking at their facebook accounts, it's just amazing how they have grown and became fine ladies and lad.  Just too bad, I hadn't stayed long enough in PMA to know them well.

But nonetheless, I'm glad that I've met a good family.  Never had they let me feel different or awkward during my stay in their home.  They were hospitable and accommodating to me.  And that's a good sign, it just means that PMA cadets do have good reputation and are trustworthy people. 

    

Fit just right... hmmm.

12- We had this event in the academy called Supergames where all yearling cadets (2nd years) bond with their foster family through games and sharing the food they brought for lunch and snacks.  It was held in Camp John Hay, outside PMA, the very purpose of which is to give the event a relaxing air and everyone to just have fun.  Our class was divided to two teams, blue and red.  And the blue team won... guess what, I was wearing red ha ha ha.  But hey, we had our consolation... we and our families had fun.

Just spectating...

Teaching our foster bro how to boodle fight in a picnic.

A pose with our foster family.

14 to16-  Nearly forgot we had basic tennis lessons in our Physical Education.  Um, let me correct that, completely forgotten, for until now I still don't know how to play the game. hehehe.

18 to 19-  We were allowed to apply for leave for the weekend, so got my second sleepover at my foster parents.  Again, I stayed with noni in his room at the attic.  Then we visited his lola in the morning, where they were usually left to stay.  Noni somehow reminded me of my brother, same his age, so it was cool having him around.  By the way, they usually speak English, so I had my nose covered, just in case I got nosebleed.  My biological siblings don't usually speak English. :))

24 and 25- We personally invited our foster parents to a reception night in the academy.  It was to show them our appreciation for sharing their home to us and treating us as if we were part of their family.  Again, this might mean nothing for some, but for those cadets who were far from home, this is already a big help to keep them going.

26- This was my first religious service for the year due to activities and leaves.  I had been joining the Cadet Christian Fellowship (CCF) since my plebehood.  It was just a small congregation so one can get to know almost everyone attending.  What I liked also with the group was the off-duty bible sharing, praise and worship.

30 to 31- Joined the running events in the intramurals.  I finished 4th among the contenders for the 800 meter run event and the following day, we finished 3rd in the company run.  Running was my sport when I was a cadet.  I may not be the best, but pretty much I can run.  I guess, I was just blessed with a good stamina for it.  Just don't ask me now, I think it's good if I had a decent jog for a month.

In our life, the family always play an important role in the success of a person.  May it be biological or not, people who give us care, acceptance, support and strength to go on with life, that's family.  Yahweh bless.

Recent Related Post: Celebrating The Holidays

My PMA Cadet Years (Yearling) - Celebrating The Holidays

December 1996

2- I became a marcher of one of our academic classes.  It's an honor to be one as this means,  you topped the section of your class.  But having this recognition comes with responsibilities; being the class marcher, you're tasked to get the section's attendance, call the commands and lead your section.  Oh, I'm not that good at all the subjects, so I'm not the marcher all the time.  LOL.  

3- I started wearing glasses, as advised by our local optometrist.  Well, the training might have given me some improvements but there are also other repercussions.  I might had abused my eyes that it deteriorated.  Part of life, we gain some and we lose some. 

8-  We had our Command Christmas party.  Just like the rest of the academies and universities, this usually meant that the academic break was nearing.  In our mess hall, we had our small gathering and "salo-salo" in celebration of the joyous occasion to give thanks for the birth of our Lord Jesus.

12 to 14- We again invited our friends and new foster parents to PMA to showcase the talents of our fellow cadets in the annual 100th nite show.  The graduating class of 1997 incorporated their experiences, learning and outlook in their military career as they begin their countdown of a hundred days to graduation and will soon be leaving the portals of the academy to be of service to our country.

16 to 21-  We had an early entrucking to Manila at 0200H for the then upcoming Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Foundation Day.  We usually travel that early so we could have an ample time to fix our billeting area upon arrival, rest and prepare for the preliminary corps drill in preparation for the big day.

Every after drill, cadets were given time to visit their families or roam around the metro.  Me, I was either visiting my foster family or tagged along with a fellow cadet who lived in Manila that saved me some time just planning what to do or where to go.

24 to 31- Holiday break.  I spent my vacation with family and friends at home.  I missed it the year before, so it was something I looked forward to the whole year round.  Met with friends and talked about almost anything under the sun, especially the things I missed being with them... And most of all, celebrated the holidays with my family and relatives... simply irreplaceable at the moment.

I had a great time... and I thanked the Lord for the blessing of family and friends.   Yahweh bless.

Recent Related Post: Almost Like Home 

My PMA Cadet Years (Yearling) - Almost Like Home

November 1996

1 to 2 - Cadets were given a 2 day mass leave for the celebration of All Saints and All Souls Day.  I did not went home considering practicality.  I considered the invitation of an upperclassman to visit their hometown.  It was my first time to San Fernando, La Union, so it was definitely a trip I've been looking forward to.  And besides, being with an upperclass cadet is a treat, as it's in our tradition that they pay most of the expenses or at least pay a bigger share like when in dining out.

We went out skin diving the first day, but we're not so lucky to see the corals and fishes as the water was too cloudy that day.  However, it's not everyday I see a sea, definitely not in Baguio City.   I had a chance to witness a fish (bangus or milkfish) harvest the following day in their family fish pond in Dagupan City.  There, I appreciated the taste of a freshly caught roasted bangus dipped in soy sauce with cut fresh tomatoes in a steaming rice.  Also, I had my first encounter with the Ilocanos' "jumping salad".  It's just like our very own "kinilaw" (local sushi) but with a twist, they were using small live shrimps.  The taste?  I won't tell, it's for you to try and find out. LOL.

3 to 5 - We returned to PMA on a Sunday, and we were welcome by academics with surprise L.E.'s (lesson exams) the following day.  As cadets, we were expected to be always prepared in class, even after a break.  But who would have thought hahaha, so if you really had none, just have to rely to stock knowledge or "hugot" (chance).  By the way, cheating, in any form, in the academy is punishable by expulsion.

7 - We also had guest from other academies, a graduating Navy cadet stayed in our room once.  As hospitable as any other Filipinos, we offered what's best to our guests to make them comfortable during their visit.

8 to 9 - Parades were a duty to us cadets, and we do it as long as it's possible.  Usually, we had them during special occasions and every Saturday, after our inspection.  Here, we had 2 succeeding parades.  The first was to welcome our new superintendent and the second one was for the Saturday parade.  A storm had just hit Baguio City that time, but just like what they say in TV, the show must go on.  Not to worry, we wore our raincoats during those times... and they gave us a hop in the evening.

 

10 -  Foster Parent Program.  Cadets during their yearling (3rd class) or 2nd year were given foster parents.  It's a way PMA provides us a family that were almost like our own.  A really great help especially for those who were miles away from home.  There were things PMA could teach a cadet, but to keep them guided and look at a different perspective from being trim and proper, they may need an unbiased opinion from those outside the portals.  Something like having a family nearby, that you may consider almost like that of your home.  The program gave me not only foster parents but 3 new younger sisters and a brother.

16 - Had an official business in Baguio, and for my side trip, passed by a record shop and buy 2 cassette tapes; Eraserhead's Fruitcake and a Michael Learns to Rock album.  The bands I used to listen even before I entered the academy.  Cadets in official business status were those tasked to arrange certain transactions in behalf of PMA or needed to buy something for the academy's use.  The thing is, you could still linger in the city if you still have time, provided of course you've done your task.

20 - We always had our Corps drill most especially if we were preparing for something just to familiarize ourselves to the sequence of the parade.  If needed, we practice our drills for hours even under a bad weather.  Do we get sick? Definitely, but the training made us tougher, not only physically but also mentally.  As we termed it "PMA" for positive mental attitude.

26 to 28 - Entrucking bound to Manila for the change in the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Position.  Upon arrival, after resting for a while, we already had our drills since we only had 2 days left to practice and adjust to the parameters of the actual location.  At that time, we had 3 speakers during the ceremony, President Fidel Ramos, AFP CS Arturo Enrile (outgoing) and AFP CS Arnulfo Acedera (incoming).  And we stood motionless until all the speeches are over.  The only rest we had was if the official commands the baron to change our position from attention to "tikas pahinga" or parade rest.

But you know what's the best thing of having parade in Manila was the privilege or short breaks given to cadets every after drills and parades.  I had the chance to visit the family that I considered my home there.

30 - It's not everyday cadets are being visited by friends and family, more especially those miles away from home.  So when I had an unexpected visit from friends in my hometown, I jumped to my uniform so I could go on entertaining.  How glad I was that it's a Sunday, and we're not in any duty.  Though I wasn't yet sure who they were, since all I got was "Marion & company", and I known 2 Marions... LOL.  Well, it didn't really matter, I was just eager to see familiar faces.

When I met them in the visitor's lounge, they were my friend's sisters Marion and Jean with their friend Joy.  After a short chat while having snacks in the cafeteria, I toured them around PMA.  There was somewhat an unfamiliar breeze as things wasn't as they were.  I was a cadet then, and must act accordingly and even without words, it's understandable.

My visit to a fellow cadet's hometown, a foster family, side trips, visiting and being visited by friends and family... each and everything was appreciated.  It somewhat gave me a feeling of home... well, almost like home.  And I'll forever be thankful to the Lord for such blessings, just the things I needed for the time being.  The Lord truly provides...  Yahweh bless.

Recent Related Post: Vacation, Privileges And Mass Leave

My PMA Cadet Years (Yearling) - Vacation, Privileges And Mass Leave

October 1996

1 to 5 - Our flight bookings were handled by PMA, and plane tickets were handed to us.  Very convenient, as it would take a day or two doing the same.    And then at last I reached Davao City early of the very first day of the month.  There were just a lot of things running on my mind back then, things I wanted to do which I had to accomplish in a 5-day period, I couldn't even decide if I'd include sleeping in the schedule.

After a long period of not able to go home, I maximized my very limited time catching up with friends and family, dating friends and making courtesy calls to some cavaliers or PMA alumni.   I also took the opportunity of meeting some of my "barkada" or dear friends in college before I entered the academy.  Unexpectedly, the meet made it possible for me to get acquainted with someone whom I'm calling my wife today.  You really wouldn't know what life has in stored for you, a total stranger at a point in time not knowingly would be your lifetime partner in the future.

I chose my scheduled return flight in the evening of my last stay, which was the day before termination of  leave.  For me, it was the most comfortable time to travel to Baguio;  arrived late in the evening in Manila, then rode a bus in Victory Liner station, traveled and slept for 6 hours (no traffic yet considering I started traveling more or less at midnight or early dawn), and still had time to have a breakfast in the city before going back to barracks.  And in the following day, academics started and my usual cadet life continued...

14 - PMA Commissary - Cadets walk quite a distance from their barracks just to reach this place during their free time, and I was no exception.  Why?  Simple first answer: boodles.  Aside from food (snacks), we also bought our personal stuffs here.  The advantage was, if we got short of cash, we could charge it to our account by simply signing in a voucher.

Located beside our station hospital, it was actually composed of small stalls, different businesses but compliment each other.  Aside from snack houses, there was a photograph shop, delivery and long distance call shop, eye wear center, gadgets, RTW's and more.  I remembered one store in particular, Bilsamera, where the "manang" or old lady in-charge became a friend.  I would always buy civilian shirt and jeans there or memorabilia items with Baguio trademarks as gifts for friends given at a good price.  Missed the place.  If I'll return to PMA, something I won't forget to pass by.

19 and 20 - Just a trivia, the term "privilege" is an opportunity given to upperclassmen cadets to go to places outside the academy but usually just within the vicinity of Baguio City.  Provided, however, that the cadet is not deficient in any subject, no existing punishment tours, and generally no duties or incoming duties that require him to be inside PMA.  As to duration, it is shorter than vacation and leave, just a day or two.  And normally given during Saturdays and Sundays.

Since we had a hectic schedule and confined within the premises of the academy, we used these times to roam around Baguio City and if lucky, being invited by our mistah(s) or squadmates when they visit their family.  These days, in particular, we visited a squadmate's aunt and attended a foster-sis' birthday the following day.  Might just be simple events, but it helped me a lot in easing the stiff life of being a cadet.  Pressure released... again human... hahaha.

26 - Being a cadet, it's always been an honor to be visited by special friends.  So when we were then surprised by a visit from our friends in Manila whom I already treat as my family, we really cleared or made the necessary exchanges in our schedules to accompany them and made their stay worthwhile.  But I had no worries, they knew a lot of my "mistah", it was not a problem finding someone to entertain them.  Being friendly really pays.

31- The month ended in a mass leave for the upcoming holidays.  I decided to go with an upperclassman to visit their place in San Fernando, La Union.  I thought it was impractical to go home for such a very limited time.  And, I've never been to the place, I was actually curious to see it, back then.  Yahweh bless.


Recent Related Post:  Punishment Tours And Other Hurdles

My PMA Cadet Years (Yearling) - Punishment Tours And Other Hurdles

August 1996 - Aside from academics and guard duties, I spent the month serving my accumulated punishment tours.... and with a little help from those touring conversions... fatigue duty, study period and the most dreadful punishment... watching debates.  LOL.  Well, these conversions were a lot relaxing and beneficial than walking full battle attire with rifle under the scourging heat of the sun for hours.

September 1996

I started the month in maximizing my complied hours of punishment tours, as the long break at the end of the month was fast approaching.  And I needed to finish all of it, otherwise I won't be able to go on vacation... and I still had a couple.  Speaking of pressure, on top of it, I had deal with it during the month where we also had our academic final exams.

12- I had my first "Major A" from the platoon run competition for having the least time in finishing the race.  It was later sewn in my corps jacket.  This symbolized a victory from the yearly held intramurals fought between the PMA companies.  And not all cadets were lucky enough to have even one during their stay.

14-17-  We also had a inter-company dart competition where I was able to reached semi-finals.  I had competed with almost against my upperclassmen.  But sometimes, I had to cancel due to my touring duties tsk...

20-  We were again given the privilege to watch SLU students with their rendition of West Side Story.  How I wished we also got touring hours credits for watching the play or was I asking too much?  Hahaha, got it, then it wouldn't be a punishment anymore, isn't it?

23-26- Just like any other universities, our main focus, aside from our military training, were our academics.  Adding to the pressures of a yearling were subjects like physics, literature, calculus, philosophy, history, psychology, etc... Final exams week, cadet duties, touring... bring it on...

25- To help cadets reduce and finish their touring, we were given the optional distance touring where if we could finish a particular distance, that would be equivalent to 1 touring hour (TH).  I made 8 THs that day, making it very possible for me to go home.  I was never been so determined of finishing all my punishment tours... it was my ticket to home.

27- Initiation day for the class 2000.  Met a lot of "kababayans" 4th class cadets from Davao City, which I haven't got the chance to visit from other companies due to hectic time schedule.  It was a "rotting" (rough) day for the plebes, but for the soon to be recognized members of the corps, foresight... plebehood would soon be over.

It was actually a fun event for the upperclassmen.  We were in our relaxed mode during the event, we even sympathized with our plebes hairdo, wearing our general athletic uniform and just making sure every plebe that passed by us performed their designated exercises.  It really felt like it's more of a frolics than having the intention of giving the plebes the hardest possible day they could ever have.

28-  Then came the symbolic "Recognition Day".  In as much as I was proud of all the plebes that were standing in that octagon formation, I can't also help but felt proud of myself that day, since I was one of those who recognized the plebes.  It only meant that we survived our own challenges and obstacles that we must face as cadets.

29,30- Last days of "rallying" for my punishment tours, and I was able to finished every single one of it.  At last... going home.  By the way, that was my first since I reported to PMA to be a cadet.  And I thank the Lord that I managed all those hurdles... Yahweh bless. 

Recent Related Post:  New Things, Old Things

My PMA Cadet Years (Yearling) - New Things, Old Things

July 1996

2- Dental problems.  I was not able to take care of an aching tooth when I was a plebe.  There was no time for it or should I say, it was not recognized as something to complain about during those times.  But as an upperclassman, yearling to be exact, you'd be so foolish not to attend to such problem especially for a troublesome tooth.  So, I had my dental appointment with our resident dentist in PMA station hospital (PMASH).  Also a good thing, since it was a not so busy month in the academy.

4- Power interruptions.  We were not exempted from blackouts that hit the city.  This was really a big problem to those who didn't have ironed pants, hanky or uniform, in general.  Here, a yearling's resourcefulness will be tested.  You could borrow stuffs from a mistah, since you'll be tagged as "assuming", if from an upperclassman and "shabby", if from a plebe.  Just be prepared in doing a lot of favors for it and sometimes, bawl out or constructive criticism from your mistah.  Or you could start a rain dance if you know how, since rain was the only time we would wear our raincoat on top of our uniforms which in a way, would cover the lack of preparedness... LOL.

13- New room, new roommates.   Some of our mistahs were not able to survive academics and had to leave PMA, so to even up our class numbers per company, some were transferred to other barracks and re-rooming were implemented.  Transferring my stuffs was a hassle but the real challenge there was getting along with a new set of people and learning to deal with each of them.

with my roommates, Darwin and Frederick

14- Non-academic.    We usually had our meals served inside barracks when the mess hall was prepared and used for another activity or there's a duty that required urgency.  It's actually an advantage to both cadets and mess hall personnel.  We didn't need to prepare for the day's uniform and they had  lesser things to clean.

15- Being in Baguio City, we were also observing their holidays like the Cordillera Day.  Like other universities, we also didn't have classes during those times.  However, we're still not exempted to do other duties and responsibilities, sometimes even more strenuous than having a class.   The good thing was we could do stuffs like laundry, ironing and other preparations in a longer vacant time as this.

20-  It was the start of the intramurals, and same as last year, the opening ceremony was held, and with the cheering competition as the starting event.  Though others had new stunts and chants, still a lot were "vault files" or heard and seen performances.  Relying on the previous learned stuffs passed from class after class and/or introduced stuffs from neophytes cadets, the later being unlikely. LOL.

All smiles for the event...

With some of the cheering participants.

23-31-  Typhoon prone. Storm signals weren't new to us.  It seemed like every storm that passed the country, never failed to visit or affect Baguio City.  I was already thinking if it's just a coincidence that the city's name sounds like "bagyo" (tagalog for storm).  We were hit by 2 typhoons, Gloria and Herb, with just almost a week apart.  Though some of our activities were affected like cancelled corps drill and Saturday inspections, but the guarding and other duties like academics were not affected.  Since even if it floods and unlike other students, cadets' academic building was just a walk away.  Lucky for us, we never stopped learning.  hahaha... Yahweh bless.

Recent Related Post:  Perks Of Being A Cadet

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.

Recent Related Post:  Roles Of Yearlings In Summer Camp

My PMA Cadet Years (Yearling) - Roles Of Yearlings In Summer Camp

May 1996 -  We were the second plebe details, which means we handled the second half of the plebes' (neophytes) summer camp/ beast barracks.  Our class was divided into two groups,  one on orientation tour while the other half was left in PMA to handle their duties in the beast barracks.  I can't say that it was easier being the second plebe detail, but at least the plebes were already taught the basics.  Our tasks then as yearlings (thirdclassmen or second years) would be assisting our squad leaders (secondclassmen) in polishing what the plebes learned and teaching them the things they still need to learn as plebes.

Our roles as yearlings were harder than we thought it to be.  We were still the lowest ranking in our main barracks, thus, we were still tasked to do the routine housekeeping and guard duties while being expected to have the highest standard among cadets with regards to discipline, uniforms, posture, punctuality and overall snappiness. 

We had some endurance exercises like roadruns with our plebes, the thing was, we need to show them that were tougher and there's no excuse for bogging down.  We served as their role models as well as their mentors, there's no room for weaknesses.  And besides, our actions were still scrutinized by our upperclassmen, so there's no room for mistakes either.

We also had two foot marches, one to Camp 6 and the other one was to  Mt. Kabuyaw or Cabuyao, and it's the second time for our class.  The difference now, was we were already handling a leadership responsibility, being the assistant squad leaders.  We were partly responsible to the safety and overall welfare of our squad.  We also see to it that the orders of our squad was performed or executed by the squad members.

Resting @ Camp 6, Baguio City

A Trail To Mt. Cabuyao...

 

Our squad.

But the summer camp wasn't just for the plebes familiarization of the cadets' practices and traditions.  Our class also had our knowledge and skill enhancement like the marksmanship and weapon's familiarization training and actual application of theories and strategies through war games using M.I.L.E.S. (multiple integrated laser engagement system).  And man, was it a FUN way to learn things!!! 

Things were really getting more challenging day by day, that time... all in His glory, as always.  Yahweh bless.

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