September 11, 2001   *   vol. 1 (11)

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vol. 1 (11)   *   September 11,2001

     The ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps), and its equivalent CMT, (Citizens' Military Training) has been a component of our college and high school curriculum, respectively, for a long while now. Until recently, the killing of a cadet from UST whose idealism and courage caused him to lose his life, has created some fervent reactions from various well-meaning sectors of our society compelling the government to review the ROTC program in our country. Will it be abolished eventually?
    About 80% of those who constitute the men in uniform of AFP and PNP are graduates of ROTC. These men continue to give their corresponding share in the countless levels of leadership as comrades and staff officers of units engaged in our endless counter insurgency, anti-secessionists and myriad of police operations. They also have good participation in some socioeconomic developments in both rural and urban areas. As our country is undeniably bereft with gigantic peace and order problems from simple snatchings, to drug pushing, to Abu Sayyaf kidnapping, and even to cause or no-cause rallying, its retention may far outweigh the legal and moral considerations being thrown in support of the abolition of the ROTC. Its elimination may irrationally conceal the distinguished services rendered by these ROTC graduates in the government, and in many segments of the populace.
     Conversely, the ROTC has lately been claimed to be a fertile ground for corruption that dates back as early as the 60's, abuses, and harassments in the guise of military training. Officers have been accused of bullying and pestering neophytes similar to those of fraternities. ROTC does not anymore teach the youth self-defense, instill discipline, and impart sense of duty and comradeship. Several reports show that some officers actually have psychological problems, people with inferiority complexes

who try to compensate by assuming a position of authority to intimidate lowly cadets. Furthermore, activities are regarded as irrelevant waste of precious time in doing some mindless weekend drills, push-ups, or long stretches over minor infractions under the scorching heat of the sun. Those long hours of weekends can be better spent for independent analytical lessons, community and voluntary services, sports and teambuilding activities. Worse, ROTC is part of college curriculum and no one receives their diploma without complying with the ROTC requirements.
     Any forms of irregularity should be condemned, and any senseless killings should be highly abhorred. Proper and comprehensive reforms should be cogently instituted, at the soonest, by University officials as regards the ROTC. If it's not serving its purpose, and irregularities or abuses continue to proliferate, then who needs ROTC? What should matter most is for our youthful "cadets" to be able to effectively respond to the dynamic challenges and necessities of the new millennium.