Teodoro to AFP: Recruit more techie officers

INQUIRER FILES Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. has ordered the expansion of the Direct Commission Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in response to the military’s growing need for specialists who can operate and develop increasingly sophisticated defense systems as the country deals with emerging challenges to national security. Modern warfare requires new skills to strengthen the human capital of the AFP, especially in cyber warfare, as it acquires more technologically advanced equipment—from radar systems to aircraft—while struggling to upgrade its manpower to maximize those capabilities, defense department spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said on Saturday. Building up a cyber-warfare capable force was one of the main reasons behind the defense chief’s recent directive to expand the direct commissioning program of the AFP, Andolong said. Article continues after this advertisement “The battlefield is becoming digital,” Andolong told the Inquirer. The commissioning programs allow the AFP to recruit civilian professionals from various fields, such as science, medicine and law, directly. They would be provided with the appropriate ranks, which would be determined according to military rules. He said the AFP now needs officers with strong backgrounds in computer science, programming, engineering and other S&T fields. The program aims to bring into the AFP more professionals with expertise in cyber operations, artificial intelligence and other specialized fields as the military advances its modernization efforts, he said. Need for qualified pilots Andolong cited the Philippine Air Force’s transition to the FA-50 light fighter aircraft as an example. He said it took years to build a full complement of qualified pilots because operating modern platforms required far more technical knowledge than older analog systems. Article continues after this advertisement According to Andolong, the expanded direct commissioning is intended to close those capability gaps by recruiting more Filipinos with specialized technical expertise who can support the AFP’s modernization program and the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept. He said the initiative also reflected the country’s evolving security environment, where cyber operations, electronic warfare and intelligence were becoming critically important alongside conventional military capabilities. Article continues after this advertisement 2 types of hackers The need for specialists is increasingly apparent as the AFP confronts emerging security challenges, including operations in the West Philippine Sea. The defense official said the program was also inspired by the idea of tapping talented young Filipinos, including skilled computer hackers. “There are ethical hackers and there are malevolent hackers,” Andolong said. “Secretary [Teodoro] wants to harness their talent for the country.” He said some young Filipinos possess exceptional cybersecurity skills but were unemployed. The goal is to channel those abilities toward protecting the country instead of allowing them to be used for malicious purposes, he said. Referring to the possibility of accommodating qualified persons with disabilities, Andolong said physical attributes would not necessarily be the determining factor for applicants in highly technical fields. “The important thing is your brain and your capability to grasp new technologies,” he said. Despite plans to make recruitment more flexible for highly specialized applicants, Andolong stressed that security standards would remain in place, including vetting as they would be entrusted with sensitive information, equipment and technologies. Existing protocols for direct commissioning include physical, medical and other screening requirements. The AFP has been directed to develop a more flexible framework for applicants with specialized scientific and technological expertise while maintaining appropriate security standards, he said. Evolving challenges Andolong said the AFP is now preparing recommendations on how to implement the policy, including possible changes to existing requirements, before submitting them to Teodoro for approval. No recruitment target, budget or implementation timetable has yet been set. But Andolong said the AFP was looking at implementing the program before President Marcos steps down in 2028. The AFP urgently needs homegrown technical talent to keep pace with evolving security challenges, Andolong added. “We need their skills and knowledge now. Even yesterday,” he said. Andolong said that attracting highly skilled professionals who can often earn significantly more in the private sector would be a challenge. Instead of relying solely on financial incentives, he said the AFP is looking at opportunities, such as specialized military education, advanced training and career development for recruits with in-demand technical skills. Many science, technology, engineering and mathematics graduates have more lucrative career options outside government, Andolong noted. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. He added that specialized training and education offered by the military could become part of the program’s appeal, while the AFP may also consider faster career progression for highly skilled recruits. INQ