A TOTAL of 708 new recruits, who are part of the first batch of candidate soldiers for the year, began their Basic Military Training during the opening ceremony for Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) Class 792-2024 at the Officer Candidate School (OCS) Grounds, Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac on March 1, 2024.

“Allow me to emphasize that one important quality you will develop in this training is your attitude towards your military service and your peers. The level of dedication that you will give in this training will also dictate the level of performance you will give in future assignments and designations. Kaya naman, pagbutihin ninyo ang inyong pagsasanay. Huwag kayong sumuko,” guest of honor and speaker, Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Potenciano C. Camba told the new recruits in his message.

The four-month CSC, which is facilitated by the School for Candidate Soldier, will mold the trainees into capable, committed and competent infantrymen of the Philippine Army.

The Philippine Army leadership has set a quota of around 4,000 candidate soldiers for 2024 with the 708 members of CSC Class 792-2024 forming part of the year’s first training cycle.

It can be noted that the Philippine Army is implementing for the first time this year the Centralized Recruitment Program for Candidate Soldiers which is designed to recruit capable and qualified applicants in a systematic and efficient manner.

The Centralized Recruitment enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of the recruitment process to ensure that the best and most qualified candidates are selected in accordance with the needs and required competencies of the Army.