ARMY Chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido shared both professional and personal advice with the 362 newly minted Second Lieutenants from the Officer Candidate Course (OCC) Class 61-2024 during a send-off ceremony at the Army Support Command Headquarters, Camp Servillano Aquino, Tarlac City, on January 23, 2025.

“You are here to lead people and inspire them to do their jobs well. Inspire them to follow you,” the Army Chief told the new lieutenants, who will begin their careers as platoon leaders in various Army units.

Lt. Gen. Galido also challenged the future platoon leaders to lead by example.

“The hardest thing to do is to be an example to our men. It may seem easy, but ask yourself—can you truly be an example to them? Can you be an example to your colleagues?” he said. He urged the new Army leaders to develop the right mindset and a genuine heart for service, which are vital to a successful and fulfilling military career.

The 362 newly appointed officers of OCC “Katarakian” Class 61-2024 completed their one-year officer training in 2024, culminating in a Joint Graduation Ceremony for the Major Services Officer Candidate Course, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the guest of honor and speaker.