NEW SOLDIERS. Some 245 new soldiers stand in formation at the grounds of the 11th Division Training School in this undated photo. They are currently undergoing a 60-day Infantry Orientation Course, a prerequisite before their deployment to the different line units of the 11th Infantry Division. (Photo courtesy of the 11th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)
ZAMBOANGA CITY - Some 245 new soldiers are currently undergoing a 60-day Infantry Orientation Course at the 11th Division “Mastal” Training School (11DTS) at Camp Bud Datu, Barangay Tagbak in Indanan, Sulu.
Col. Leomar Jose Doctolero, 11DTS commandant, said Wednesday that the orientation course is a prerequisite before the newly-graduate soldiers will be deployed to the different line units of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division (11ID).
Doctolero said those who are undergoing the infantry orientation course belong to the Candidate Soldier Course “Makagilas” (Muslim At Kristiyano Alakdan Galing Isip Liksi Aming Sandata) Class 656-2021, and just graduated Monday from a four-month enlistment training.
“They will be deployed to the line units of the 11ID after completion of the Infantry Orientation Course,” Doctolero said.
He said that the Class 656-2021 comprised of 234 males and 11 females. Nine are from Luzon, four are from Visayas, 66 are from mainland Mindanao, and 166 are from the province of Sulu.
“The members of the class were individuals who came from different backgrounds,” he added.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, 11ID commander, commended the members of Candidate Soldier Course “Makagilas” Class 656-2021 for hurdling the rigorous and tremendous military training for four months.
Gonzales challenged them to perform their task in accordance to their oath to protect and serve.
“The completion of your training doesn’t mean that the difficulties you encountered are also over. Power comes with big responsibility. Our responsibility is our duty to protect our country, the people and the place we serve particularly the province of Sulu,” Gonzales told the members of the “Makagilas” class.
Private Nerna T. Arip, a 23-year-old female Tausug from Barangay Kaha, Parang, Sulu, graduated on top of their class with a general average of 95. 50 percent.
The second and third-highest ranking graduates are also Tausugs, namely, Private Salip Nadir C. Sawadjaan and Private Nuriza S. Mohammad with a general average of 95.38 percent and 94.88 percent, respectively.
Private Awie J. Mohammad, who is also a Tausug, got the highest rating in the Physical Fitness Test (Tarzan) with a general average of 97.78 percent.
Gonzales also extended his gratitude to the staff, training directorate, family and the new members of the 11ID. (PNA)
