MAP Insights
By Renato C. Valencia
I recall the Fourth Class system with fondness and gratitude because it introduced me to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) way of life which helped me do well as a leader and manager in the military, as well as in the private and public sectors.
Looking back and after undergoing tough training with the Philippine Special Forces and then, the RECONDO training with the US Special Forces in Vietnam while with the 1st PHILCAG (V), and studying the training given to Special Forces, Rangers, Marines, Seals, British SAS, and the like, I find the Fourth Class system relatively light and easy, yet fraught with catastrophic pitfalls, as the recent death of Cadet Dormitorio, allegedly a hazing victim.
I can only hazard a guess but clearly, the Fourth Class system does not seem to be aligned with the mission of PMA, i.e, to instruct, train, and develop cadets so that each graduate shall possess the character, the broad and basic military skills and the education essential to the successful pursuit of a progressive military career.
If the mission is to develop cadets to become officers, why disable or destroy them?
If the intention is to make them tough, why not let them undergo the tougher training given for special military operations, absent the risk of hazing?
The difference between the two types of training is the mindset.
In the case of the plebes (or Fourth Class), they are humorously considered as “beasts,” as in Beast Barracks, their dormitory, or low class citizens bereft of dignity and human rights (run, don’t walk, don’t reason why but do and die, etc.), while the upperclassmen are “masters” whose job is to separate the men from the boys and get rid of the unfit.
In the training for special military operations, the trainees are looked up to as future leaders and warriors, diamonds in the rough that need polishing, and who must make it so the institution can grow and endure in its duty to protect the nation and its citizens.
At the least, the PMA Fourth Class system needs an urgent review so hazing becomes a thing of the past.
This article reflects the personal opinion of the author and does not reflect the official stand of the Management Association of the Philippines or the MAP.
Renato C. Valencia is the Vice-Chair of OMNIPAY.
