The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program helps students in the Philippines become AFP officers.
In this guide, we will explain the different stages of training, the additional programs available, and the benefits of each, leading to a rewarding role as an officer in AFP.
So, please keep reading and learn more about it!
Table of Contents
1. What is ROTC?
The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a college-based program offered in the Philippines that trains students in military skills, leadership, and discipline.
It is part of the National Service Training Program (NSTP), which gives students the option to choose from ROTC, Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS), or Literacy Training Service (LTS).
It also offers the opportunity to become a commissioned officer in the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force if students pursue advanced training after completing their basic courses.
2. The Steps to Become an ROTC Cadet
Here are the steps you need to follow to become a Reserve Officers Training Corps Cadet:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
To join ROTC, you must be a student at a college or university that offers the program.
You should be in good physical condition and willing to undergo military training.
ROTC is generally open to students aged 18 and above.
Step 2: Enroll in a School Offering ROTC
When you enroll in a college or university, make sure it provides ROTC as an NSTP option.
Speak to your school’s NSTP coordinator to ensure you are registered for the program.
Step 3: Attend ROTC Orientation
After enrollment, you will attend an orientation session to learn the program’s goals, requirements, and structure.
This session will also explain the training schedule and what to expect from the ROTC program.
Step 4: Complete ROTC Training
You will undergo two years of Basic ROTC training, which includes:
- Military drills
- Physical fitness exercises
- Classroom lessons on military tactics and leadership
- Field training activities
Step 5: Graduate and Join the AFP Reserve Force
Upon completing Basic ROTC, you can join the AFP Reserve Force as an enlisted reservist.
If you want to pursue a military career or become a commissioned officer, you can continue to Advanced ROTC or other advanced training courses.
3. How to Continue to Advanced ROTC
If you want to become a commissioned officer in the AFP Reserve Force, Advanced ROTC is the next step after completing Basic ROTC.
Here’s how to proceed:
Step 1: Apply for Advanced ROTC
Once you finish the Basic ROTC program, express your interest to your ROTC instructor or school coordinator about continuing to Advanced ROTC.
This program is for cadets who want to take on leadership roles and advance to become officers.
You will need to formally enroll in the Advanced ROTC course. Schools typically offer this as a continuation of your ROTC training, but you must meet certain academic and physical standards to qualify.
Step 2: Learn What You Need to Apply
Qualifications:
- Graduate of Basic ROTC
- Completed the ROTC Summer Camp Training (RSCT)
- Advance ROTC Academic Phase Training (ARAPT) MS 31/32
- Advance ROTC Academic Phase Training (ARAPT) MS 41/42
- Must be physically fit.
Benefits:
- Entitled to receive Subsistence Allowance for 15 training days per semester for 2 years.
- Entitled for 9 line items ICIE.
- If qualified, entitled to receive a Cash Incentive amounting to P12,000.00 per semester for 2 years.
- Access to AFP Commissary and Exchange Stores and AFP Transient Facilities under the management of PA.
Where to Apply?
You must inquire at the nearest:
- Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG)
- Community Defense Center (CDC)
- ROTC Units under the Philippine Army
Step 3: Undergo Officer Candidate Training
Advanced ROTC focuses on leadership training, officer responsibilities, and military tactics.
You will:
- Learn advanced military operations and strategy
- Undergo specialized field training
- Develop your leadership skills through hands-on exercises and simulations
- Be tested on your ability to command and lead troops
Step 4: Participate in Leadership and Field Exercises
Advanced ROTC emphasizes leadership through practical experiences.
You’ll participate in more complex drills, decision-making exercises, and field operations that simulate real-life military challenges.
Your performance during these activities will be evaluated.
Step 5: Commissioning as a Reserve Officer
Upon successful completion of Advanced ROTC, you can be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the AFP Reserve Force.
This means you will officially become an officer, able to command troops and handle leadership responsibilities within the AFP reserve structure.
Sources of Commission in the Reserve Force AFP:
- GROUP I – Advanced ROTC/POTC Graduates
- GROUP II – Deserving NCOs
- GROUP III – Licensed Professionals
- GROUP IV – Masters in National Security Administration (MNSA)
- GROUP V – AFP Affiliated Reserve Units
- GROUP VI – Presidential Appointees and Elected Officials
- GROUP VII – Resignation from Present Commission and Subsequent Commission in the Reserve Force, AFP
Qualifications:
- Degree holders who are Advance ROTC graduates or have successfully completed the prescribed program of instruction for the Probationary Officer Training Course (POTC/MS-43).
- NCOs of the Regular Force, PA, with outstanding records of service and technical experience and those who have rendered exceptional service in combat or other activity involving risk of life or limb in consonance with provisions of RA# 718.
- Degree holders requiring four (4) or more years of study in the courses of interest to the PA and passers of appropriate government licensure examination, particularly those in the fields of:
- Accountancy
- Architecture
- Environmental Planning
- Interior Design
- Foresters
- Urban Planning
- Agriculture
- Criminology
- Education
- Customs Administration
- Librarian
- Information Technology
- Engineering
- Graduates of Master in National Security Administration (MNSA).
- Key and Technical personnel of vital government and private utilities which have been affiliated in the Reserve Force, AFP in consonance with provisions of Sections 10 and 31 of RA 7077.
- Government officials and presidential appointees who may qualify for commission in consonance with the provisions of Section 44 of RA 7077.
Where to Apply?
You must inquire at the nearest:
- Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG)
- Community Defense Center (CDC)
4. Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT)
Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT) is an alternative for those who didn’t take ROTC during college but still want to join the AFP Reserve Force.
BCMT provides basic military education, teaching individuals how to handle military tasks and responsibilities.
It is available to civilians who have completed college but missed the ROTC program during their studies.
BCMT equips individuals with skills such as:
- Basic combat training
- Military discipline and teamwork
- Leadership fundamentals
After completing BCMT, participants can become part of the AFP Reserve Force, much like ROTC graduates.
Requirements
- Picture (Latest whole body Post Card size)
- PSA Birth Certificate
- High School or College credentials (Authenticated by the School Registrar)
- Police Clearance
- Physical Examination Report
Qualifications:
- A Filipino citizen with good moral character
- Physically and mentally fit for military training
- At least a high school graduate
- Non-ROTC graduate
- At least five (5) feet in height
- Eighteen (18) years old but not more than thirty-five (35) years old as they will compose the 1st Category Reserve.
- A certified resident of a clustered locality where candidates are sourced out
Where to Apply?
You must inquire at the nearest:
- Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG)
- Community Defense Center (CDC)
5. Provisionary Officers Training Course (POTC)
The Provisionary Officers Training Course (POTC) is a program designed to train and commission reservists as officers in the AFP.
ROTC graduates who have completed Advanced ROTC or BCMT graduates can take this course to further their military careers and attain the rank of officer.
POTC focuses on:
- Advanced leadership and command techniques
- Military tactics and operational planning
- Decision-making and leadership in the field
Completing POTC allows individuals to be commissioned as officers in the AFP Reserve Force, providing them with opportunities for career advancement and higher responsibilities.
POTC trainees receive pay and allowances equal to the basic salary of a Probationary Second Lieutenant during the four-month pre-military training.
Requirements:
- Application Form
- Affidavit of Non-Pending Case
- Picture (Whole body Post Card size)
- Personal Data Sheet or Resume’ (SOI if active Enlisted Reservist)
- PSA Birth Certificate (With official receipt)
- College Diploma & Transcript of Record (Authenticated by the School Registrar)
- AFP Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT)
- Certification or Diploma of Advance ROTC
- Certification/Order of Merits of POTC Graduate
- Physical Examination Report
- Command Clearance (will be issued later; the following will be submitted with the application form which will be used for subsequent issuance of Command Clearance): Personal History Statement (PHS), Barangay Clearance, Mayor’s, Police, NBI, CFI/RTC Clearance
- Drug Test (taken from any drug testing centers accredited by DOH)
Qualifications:
- Applicant must be a graduate of the Advance ROTC Course
- Must be a baccalaureate degree holder
- Must be 152.4 cm (5ft) in height or above for both male and female applicant
- Not more than 30 years of age at the start of the training
- Must be mentally and physically fit
- Must have attained a score of at least (88%) in the AFPSAT conducted by the APMC
- With no criminal, administrative, court-martial and/or civil case pending in any court of justice of the Philippines, either as a litigant or witness
Where to Apply?
You must inquire at the nearest:
- Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG)
- Community Defense Center (CDC)
6. Call to Active Duty of Reserve Officers (CADRO)
After completing ROTC, BCMT, or POTC, reservists may be eligible for Call to Active Duty of Reserve Officers (CADRO).
This means that in times of national emergencies, disasters, or when additional manpower is required, the AFP can activate reservists to serve in active duty roles.
When called to active duty, reserve officers:
- Serve alongside regular military personnel
- Participate in emergency and disaster response operations
- Engage in national defense initiatives during crises
This system allows the AFP to quickly mobilize trained personnel when the nation needs them the most.
Requirements:
- Recommendation from PAMU Commander
- Whole Body Picture in Smart GOU (3R size in white background)
- Updated SOI/RSOI
- Commission Order in the Reserve Force
- Promotion Orders
- Medical and Dental Examination (validated by ACS)
- G2/Command Clearance
- PSA Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate
- 1 Valid Government issued Identification Card
- Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Documents/ID
- Bureau of Internal Revenue Documents/ID
- Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) (Pag-IBIG) Documents/ID
- Certification from Employer to Undergo CAD RA 2334
- Detach Service Orders/Order of Transfer of Administrative Control and Supervision
Qualifications:
- Applicants must be in the rank of 2LT to LTC.
- Age Requirements:
- Not more than 35 years of age for 2nd Lieutenants (2LTs)
- Not more than 40 years old for 1st Lieutenants (1LTs)
- Not more than 45 years old for Captains (CPTs)
- Not more than 54 years old for Majors (MAJs) and Lieutenant Colonels (LTCs)
- No pending case, whether administrative, civil, or criminal, in any court of law
- Medical/Dental Examination conducted at any Army Station Hospital (ASH) and validated by the Army Chief Surgeon.
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT) (Hqs RESCOM/HPA)
- Board Interview (Hqs RESCOM/HPA)
Where to Apply?
You must inquire at the nearest:
- Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG)
- Community Defense Center (CDC)
7. Benefits of ROTC and Other Programs
ROTC and related programs like BCMT, POTC, and CADRO offer a range of benefits, both for personal development and career advancement:
1. Leadership Development:
- These programs teach critical leadership skills, teamwork, and responsibility, which are useful in any career.
2. Physical Fitness:
- ROTC and BCMT emphasize physical training, helping participants stay fit and healthy.
3. Career Opportunities:
- Completing ROTC or POTC opens up opportunities for a military career, as well as leadership roles in civilian jobs.
4. National Service:
- Through ROTC, individuals can serve the nation, both in times of peace and crisis. It provides a sense of pride and purpose.
5. Networking and Camaraderie:
- Participants form strong bonds with fellow cadets and officers, creating a valuable support network that can last a lifetime.
6. Emergency Preparedness:
- Training equips individuals with the skills needed to respond effectively to national emergencies, natural disasters, and crises.
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Conclusion
Becoming an officer in the Armed Forces of the Philippines through the Reserve Officers Training Corps is a rewarding path for those who want to serve their country.
From ROTC to BCMT, POTC, and eventually active duty through CADRO, these programs offer personal growth, leadership skills, and career opportunities in both military and civilian sectors.
Whether you pursue a military career or simply wish to contribute to national defense as a reservist, these programs provide the training and tools needed to succeed.
What are you waiting for? Prepare now and stay ready until the recruitment begins!
Disclaimer
This website provides job information only; it doesn’t hire or ask for any fees. Learn more.
References
- Philippine Army Website. (n.d.). Philippine Army Website. https://army.mil.ph/home/
- Reserve Officers Training Corps Images. (2024, March 5). Philippine Army. https://army.mil.ph/home/index.php
- Wikipedia Contributors. (2020, October 20). Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (Philippines). Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ROTC
- Wikipedia Contributors. (2024, August 6). Philippine Army Reserve Command. Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RC
- Become an Army Reservist. (2022). Facebook.com. https://www.facebook.com/posts