3ID needs 500 new soldiers

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz –INTO its job in keeping internal security operations, the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) now calls able-bodied individuals are interested to join the regular force of the Philippine Army. 3ID needs at least 500 new troops for calendar year 2006, said Army Major Lyndon Sollesta.

The need is broken down as; 150 slots for Cebu and Bohol applicants, 150 for Negros and 200 for the Panay. To make the recruitment an equal opportunity and ease for the applicants, Mgen Victor S. Ibrado AFP, 3ID Commander decentralized the recruitment and created processing centers strategically located in Western and Central Visayas .

Interested applicants must be natural born Filipino citizens; unmarried and without dependents; has completed the second year of a collegiate course from an educational institution recognized by the government, between 18-25 years old and at least 5'4” in height for male and 5'2” for female. He or she must also be physically and mentally fit for military training.

Previous work experience or technical skill could be considered as a plus factor for the applicant as recruitment is competitive in nature. Recruitment starts with the conduct of a Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery (PAATB) to be administered by the Army Mobile Testing Team on August 3, 2006 in Tagbilaran City; August 4 in Dumaguete City; August 5 in Bacolod City.

On August 6-7, the team goes to 604th CDC at Iloilo Sports Complex Covered Gym, Lapaz, Iloilo City and August 8 at Headquarters 3ID, Camp Peralta , Jamindan, Capiz. Applicants that have already taken and passed the PAATB last 2005 could use their previous result in their application. Applicants are advised to bring their college diploma/vocational course certificate; transcript of records; birth certificate (NSO SECPA Form); Marriage Contract of Parents; 2 pcs 2x2 ID picture; a postcard size of whole body picture and a Valid Identification Card for registration at the designated testing centers.

Those who passed the PAATB will have their initial screening at HQs 302nd Infantry Brigade, Camp Rajah Sikatuna, Carmen, Bohol ; HQs 303rd Infantry Brigade, Brgy Minoyan , Murcia , Negros Occidental; and HQs 3ID, Camp Peralta , Jamindan, Capiz. The screening board will check to determine their qualifications, skills, supporting documents and other requirements. After the initial screening, qualified applicants will have their HEPA B, Blood Test and Short Written Examination. Skill test shall also be conducted to validate the applicant competency in his field of specialization.

The HEPA B and Blood Test will be administered by Camp Peralta Station Hospital for Panay and Negros applicants and Camp Lapulapu Station Hospital for Bohol and Cebu applicants in coordination with accredited medical laboratories authorized to conduct such examination. Applicants will shoulder the expenses incurred in these examinations. An interview and reading comprehension will also be conducted to determine the mental preparedness, motivation and patriotism of the applicant.

Those who passed the HEPA B and blood test examination will be endorsed by the Selection Board for Medical, Dental and Neuro-Psychiatric test to determine their mental and physical fitness for the training. Only those who are mentally and physically fit applicants shall qualify for enlistment. All qualified applicants will be ranked according to the standards set by the Selection Board.

Final screening will be made by the Selection Board chaired by the Chief of Staff who will then recommend to the Commanding General, 3ID the qualified applicants to undergo training for 2006 Candidate Soldier Course. Training will be at the 3DTU, Camp Peralta , Jamindan, Capiz and set to start on October 1, 2006.

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