Brigadier General or Brigadyer Heneral is the lowest rank of general officer in the Philippines, usually

ranking just above Colonel and just below Major General.

The Captain or Kapitan is the most senior military rank among the junior officers of the AFP. Having a
military experience of 6-7 years, captains become company commander's, primary Aide de Camps, and
Battalion Staffs. At this rank, military officers began to study the more advance areas of their respective
occupational specialties.

Qualification

 Must have served 3 years as a 1LT and deem fit for promotion by the appropriate AFP promotion
board.

 Technical Course Graduates that acquired skills essential to the AFP (e.g. Doctors, Engineers,
Lawyers)
Commands

A captain in the Army or Marines Corps may command a company size unit or may serve as Battalion
Staff with a designation of S1-S6.

Captains in the Air Force serve as squadron leaders and Pilot instructors to junior pilots and pilot trainees.

Paygrade

Captains carry the paygrade of O-3.

Colonels or Koronel are the most senior officers of the AFP that are less than a General's Rank. They
act as Group Commanders and Brigade Commanders in field. They make decisions on their own and with
an able staff corps make successes that reach the daily news.

Qualifications

 Must have served as LTC for (3) years and is deem fit for promotion by the appropriate AFP
promotion board confirmed by the Commission on Appointments of the Philippine Congress and
Senate.
Commands

Battle Groups and Staff Aides for General Commands.

Paygrade

Colonels carry the paygrade of O-6.

First Lieutenant or Unang Tenyente is a Philippine military rank which is the second level of promotion
for an aspiring2nd Lieutenant. They usually serve as company executive officers and Junior Aides to
Dignitaries, Sr. Government Officials, and Generals of the AFP.

Qualifications for Promotion to 1LT

 Must have served as a 2LT for at least 3 years.

 Medical/ Technical Personnel who are Board Passers but cannot meet the required Age qualification
by their respective Technical Service Commands.

 Promotion Qualified 2LTs in the Reserve Force deem qualified for promotion by their respective
service commanders.
Philippine Navy & Philippine Coast Guard Counterparts

A 1LT in the PN & CG is called a Lieutenant Junior grade.

Paygrade

First Lieutenants carry the paygrade of O-2.

The rank of First Chief Master Sergeant in the Armed Forces of the Philippines has been passed in a bill
filed by Senator Rodolfo Biazonback in July 2004. It is expected that President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo will sign it very soon, enabling the rank to be created [1].

Rank's Aim

 According to Bill Number 1286, the creation of the First Chief Master Sergeant aims to
professionalize the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially in allowing its soldiers to choose a
better career while serving in the army. In addition, the ranks are to be considered as non-
commisionned officer ranks [2].

Lieutenant Colonels or Tenyente Koronel are the preparatory positions given for Military Officers
aspiring to become generals someday. They also act as Battalion Commanders in the field as well as
Brigade and Division Staff Officers. As a Lieutenant Colonel, officers study the bigger picture of war in the
General Staff Colleges and earn their degree as General Staff Course Graduates. They also serve as
primary assistants and advisors to generals in the field.

Qualification

 Must have served as a MAJ for 3 years and deem fit for promotion by the appropriate AFP promotion
board.

 Must have taken or is currently taking any of the General Staff and Command Staff Courses required
for General Staff positions.
 Graduates of the National Defense College of the Philippines with a Post Graduate Degree of
Masters in National Security Administration are commissioned as LTC in the Reserve Force.

 Elected Senators may be commissioned as LTCs in the reserve force.

Commands

Mainly Staff positions and Battalions in field.

Paygrade

LTCs carry the paygrade of O-5.

A Major or Medyor in the AFP are senior officers that serve as military advisors, tacticians, and Staff to
Units higher than a Battalion. At times, in cases a LTC vacates a Battalion Commander's Post, a Major
may take over the command.

Qualifications

 Must have served as a CPT for at least 3 years and is deem fit for promotion by the appropriate
promotion board and has completed the Basic and Advance Course for his/her selected Occupational
Specialty.

 Elected Congressmen may be Promoted to MAJOR in the Reserve Force in reference to the G10
Handbook for Reservists.
Commands

Majors serve as primary staff officers of Battle Groups and Units bigger than a Battalion.

Paygrade

Majors carry the paygrade of O-4.

The rank of Second Lieutenant or Ikalawang Tenyente is a commissioned rank in the Armed Forces of
the Philippines. Qualified personnel are appointed or commissioned by the President of the Republic of
the Philippines through the Secretary of National Defense.

Qualified Personnel to be commissioned as 2LTs

 Graduates of the Philippine Military Academy

 Graduates of Military Science - 43, Air Science - 43, and Naval Science - 43 (Officer's Preparatory
Course)

 Graduates of the Officer Candidate School (OCS)

 Graduates of recognized Private Military Academies

 Graduates of Technical Courses deem qualified by the G10 handbook for AFP Reservists
 Organic Enlisted Personnel who have served (2) Enlistment Terms without any derogatory record in
their personal file.
Command

Second Lieutenants in the Army & Marine Corps handle Platoon size units and sometimes handle posts
in the company staff level.
Philippine Air Force Second lieutenants take further training in becoming pilots in their chosen aircraft and
unit assignments.

Paygrade

A second lieutenant in the AFP carries the paygrade of O-1.

A field marshal of the Philippines is a rank created in 1937 through the Second World War as a
position held by Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur was granted the rank as military advisor to the Philippine
government, in which he was hired to form an army in response to the growing danger ofJapan and the
rising chance of war in the Pacific.

The rank of First Master Chief Petty Officer in the Armed Forces of the Philippines has been passed in
a bill filed by Senator Rodolfo Biazonback in July 2004. It is expected that President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo will sign it very soon, enabling the rank to be created [1]. Unlike its brother rank, the rank of First
Chief Master Sergeant, the rank of First Master Chief Petty Officer will be created in the Philippine Navy
since the former is for the Philippine Army.

Rank's Aim

 According to Bill Number 1286, the creation of the First Master Chief Petty Officer aims to
professionalize the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially in allowing its soldiers to choose a
better career while serving in the navy. In addition, the ranks are to be considered as non-
commisionned officer ranks [2].
The Fourth Class System is a very intricate system which was formulated to develop a well-rounded --
physically, intellectually, mentally and emotionally -- individual capable of performing duties exceptionally
and being able to remain stable even when under pressure.

The hardships of Orientation Period is over but the real challenge is just beginning. As the "lowest
mammals", the fourthclassmen are constantly scrutinized by their seniors. As far as privileges go, they
have none. They stand at exaggerated attention - hands back, head up, chin in. They move on the
double, salute with clickings, eat square meals, and of course, they have to follow every order given to
them by the upperclassmen. The only activity they are allowed to do on their free time is to do their
laundry or whatever tasks the upperclassmen order them to do. "Obey, obey and obey" is the plebe's
creed. As plebes, it is also their duty to know each and every member of the Corps of Midshipmen
especially the upperclassmen, know the proper responses to queries and of course, to recite the "Three
Prayers" whenever prompted. On top of that, they also have to do well on their academic studies which
covers the basics of their intended profession.

4CL on the march Draw Rifle Poklat Haircut Square Meal

Near the end of the Academic Year, the Fourth Class Midshipmen undergo "Recognition". Recognition
Day is usually conducted on the Valentine's Day Party and is highlighted by the pinning of the Class Seal
as an additional paraphernalia on the Fourth Class Midshipmen's uniform. The Class Pins are symbolic of
the Fourth Class Midshipmen's acceptance as full-fledged members of the Corps. From this point
onwards, they are ordered to "Relax", i.e. no more exaggerated posture, square meals, double time, etc.
They also gain privileges such as wearing wrist watches and eating in between meals. Pending their
academics, they are unofficially regarded as Third Class Midshipmen for whatever suitable purpose along
with the duties and responsibilities inherent with the title.

[edit] Third Class Year

 Image:SideboysWed.jpg
Sideboys

As plebes, all they had to do was "Obey, obey and obey". As upperclassmen, midshipmen are now given
responsibilities. At this point of their training, they learn how to be both a good leader and a good follower.
As the only junior upperclassmen in the Academy, the Third Class directly answers to the First Class.
They still have to follow orders, but the big difference is that they can now choose to delegate or utilize
the plebes to accomplish their tasks. They also get a taste of Command Responsibility in case the plebes
under their instruction make mistakes.

The Third Class midshipmen have very busy schedules. In fact, they are the busiest among the
midshipmen due to their obligations to the Corps and the difficulty of their academic subjects. It is now
their turn to represent the Academy in various functions. The slots open for membership in the Silent Drill
Company and the Sword Sponsors.

The Academy also has a number of extra-curicular organizations which are responsible for the Corps of
Midshipmen's various activities throughout the Academic Year. Third Class midshipmen aspiring to hold
key positions in these groups someday are encouraged to join as junior staff. These groups include the
Steering Committee (events), The Galleon (school organ) and The Helm (yearbook) to name a few.

On the academics side, majority of the subjects consist of the more complicated aspects of their chosen
field. These subjects are in preparation for the next phase of their training... the Shipboard Year.

[edit] Second Class Year

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Cadettes on board Korean Training Ship

Image:ShipboardDisney.jpg
On Shore Leave

The Shipboard Year. PMMA midshipmen are required to spend their Second Class year onboard
commercial vessels as engine or deck cadets. Various shipping companies in the Philippines eagerly
accept PMMA cadets to train on their vessels in order to increase their pool of officers.

In this phase of their training, the cadets are able to back-up the theories they have learned in the
academy with the actual practice and experiences they gain on board. In addition to that, they also get
their first taste of seaman's life both good and bad. Their respective companies give them allowances,
and they also get the opportunity to spend some of it when they go ashore. The Shipboard Year is indeed
one of the highlights of a midshipman's life. For the first time in two years, they are "free" in a manner of
speaking.
But of course, they will eventually realize that nothing much has really changed. Aboard the ship, they are
still the most inexperienced, thus the "lowest mammals". Senior officers still scrutinize their every move
while they carry out orders given to them. On board, although activities are of a different nature now, the
daily routine is still in effect. And of course, there is also the matter of academics - in the form of the Sea
Project - to consider.

After 12 months of rough seas and sleepless working nights, it is time to return to the Academy. Junior
midshipmen usually feel a bit of dread when thoughts of returning to the Academy cross their minds. But
this time, as First Class Midshipmen, dread is replaced by eagerness and excitement.

[edit] First Class Year

This is the final phase of the midshipmen's training. The academic subjects in this phase is designed to
fine-tune all of the midshipmen's knowledge and skills and prepare them to function as officers upon
graduation.

As the ruling class, the First Class midshipmen have the obligation to run things and make the Corps of
Midshipmen function. Slots open for Officers of the Regiment, key positons in the various organizations
need to be filled, events need to be planned, parades need rehearsing, and so on.

At this point of their training, the decision-making and organizational skills of the midshipmen will be
developed. Big events will be organized, new policies made and every activity planned up to the finest
detail with the Commandant and the Tactical Officers acting only as consultants.

Needless to say, the Seniors are the most privileged and the most powerful members of the Corps of
Midshipmen. In essence, they only need to speak to make something happen. Many graduates look back
to their First Class Year as the most memorable. Possibly because finally after three years, the pressure
on them has been eased by a few bars and they had a semblance of freedom again to do the things they
weren't allowed to do in their free time.

Final Examinations are conducted on March and the Validating Examinations right after. Once the
Academic year is concluded, the midshipmen will have to finish their Naval Officer's training prior to
Graduation.

Code of Ethics

1. I shall always bring honor to the marine profession, maintain its prestige and dignity through
proper behavior and excellent moral conduct.

2. To act for the moral welfare of all and never for the benefit of a few.

3. Never to criticize the error of a superior but use it as a guide in improving my own actuation.
 4. Never to denounce the deficiency of my subordinate; rather help him overcome his
shortcomings.

5. Never to deny one's mistakes by passing the blame to others.

6. Never to spread false rumors for the elevation of one's reputation, for the truth shall be known.

7. Always remember that courtesy and respect are for all; we respect the privilege of a superior but
we must have greater respect for a subordinate in his right as an individual.

Code of Leadership

1. I shall develop, retain and display the qualities of leadership by being a good follower, an
inspiring and convincing leader and a sincere and loyal comrade.

2. I shall obey and execute promptly any lawful order of a superior officer without questioning his
integrity.

3. I shall give orders to a subordinate on the basis of my authority without the use of threats or
superior force.

4. I shall share the grievances of a fellow midshipman and render assistance in his needs; be
happy in his good fortune and must not be envious of his success.

5. I shall deal with my fellow midshipmen without discrimination.

6. And above all, I shall be self-disciplined in mind and in deeds, in the performance of my duties
and responsibilities.

OATH OF DECORUM

1. That I will not act in such a manner so as to bring dishonor to my uniform and my profession.

2. That I will not enter bars, night spots, gambling dens, and other places classified by the PMMA
as off limits.

3. That I shall contact the Command Duty Officer of the PMMA in any event of emergency through
telephone number (047)65-4398.

4. That I shall not drink liquor or any alcoholic beverages while on liberty.

5. That I shall faithfully abide by the PMMA rules and regulations and be particularly concerned with
my conduct.

6. That I shall not tamper any content of this pass.

Deck Officers
 • Captain: Also known as the master, this person is in charge of the ship and is
fully responsible for the entire crew (not just the deck officers). When there is a
difference in opinion as to the course a ship should take, the captain makes the
final call. In some cases, the captain is the owner of the ship. When the ship
docks, the captain's job continues, as he or she is also in charge of the
paperwork.
• Chief Officer: This is the first mate position. The chief officer is in charge of
the deck team, and also maintains the cargo hold and supplies. If something
should happen to the captain, the chief officer takes that role.
• Second Officer: The second officer on a ship is next in command There will
also usually be a third officer and sometimes there are even more, depending on
how big the ship is. These officers take care of the safety of the crew and also
have responsibilities like navigating, radio maintenance, cargo control, and
equipment maintenance and repair.
• Officer Trainee or Apprentice: An officer in training is a step above a
deckhand, but they are the bottom rungs as far as officers go. They remain in a
trainee position for 2 or 3 years in order to learn how the ship is run and receive
on-the-job training.
Engineer Officers: In general, the positions of the engineer officers follow the same
flow as the deck officers, with a chief engineer, a second officer, and so on down to
the engineer officer trainee or apprentice. This team is responsible for all of the
electrical and mechanical happenings on the ship.