The Army Transformation Roadmap

29Nov11

 

A World-class Army by 2028

 

Think of our soldiers. And weep.

The recent massacre of our soldiers in Mindanao is just one of the things that add to the sorry, if not despicable, state of our army. Just this year, the words pasalubong and pabaon were conveniently attached to the armed forces. You talk of our soldiers and the names Ligot and Garcia will surely pop up. Opposite the extravagance of some filthy rich top brass is the appalling shape of our soldiers guarding our territory.  How left out we are in terms of defense was put in the limelight at the height of China’s bullying against its Asian neighbors which likewise claim ownership of the Spratlys. The difference was clear, so clear. China has modern guns, we have vintage ones.

But this will hopefully be just stories in the past. Probably some kind of urban legend when the next generation looks back at history.

Reformation in all layers of the army is the only option. And reformation just came closer with the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR).

The ATR is an 18-year reformation program anchored on the Performance Governance System (PGS). It highlights the Philippine Army’s commitment to pursue a genuine transformation program founded on good governance and performance excellence. It emphasizes a comprehensive approach in pursuing reforms and covers all facets of the organization: from personnel, to resource management, to internal processes and systems, and to mission accomplishments and outcomes.

I am fortunate to be invited to be part of the nine-man Multi-Sector Advisory Board (MSAB) for the ATR. Other members include Jess Estanislao of the Institute of Solidarity in Asia, Mareng Winnie Monsod, Alex Lacson, and Samilra Tomawis.

The MSAB is tasked to help the army promote and ensure the continuity and sustainability of the ATR and to encourage shared responsibility in the success of the ATR.

As a former local chief executive, I was personally impressed with how the ATR was crafted. It basically followed the way the Cities Development Strategies and the PGS were made and implemented. At its core is the involvement of many people in drawing the vision and mission of the organization.

Instead of just being a typical program that emanates from the top, the ATR was a product of a week-long brainstorming session participated in by 49 officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees, assisted by 12 staff and facilitators. The sessions, which sometimes lasted until the wee hours of the morning, were described to be stormy, passionate, but always with views that came from committed persons.

What’s good in involving the entire organization in planning is that the plan is owned by the institution. Compare that with a plan single-handedly crafted by someone at the top which might then be discarded when that leader retires.

Another outstanding thing about the ATR is that it sets definite deadlines for the army. By 2013, it intends to become a disciplined and motivated army capable of addressing all internal security threats. By 2016, it expects to become a well-equipped army that has established a respectable image in Southeast Asia. By 2022, it anticipates to become a modern and respected army in Asia. And finally, the Philippine Army is set to become a world-class army that is a source of national pride by 2028.

The targets may be too ambitious. The deadlines too close. But the army has to start somewhere for the overhaul and it needs every help that it can get. In fact, legislators are well aware of the urgency to enhance our army’s capability. With the failure of the AFP Modernization Act to deliver the expected results, various bills have been filed in both houses to extend the effectivity of the Act while ensuring sources of funding. Even President Aquino included the army in his 16-point agenda where he intends to make the whole bureaucracy professional, motivated, and energized.

I remember one junior officer who was actively involved in making the ATR. With all the anomalies hounding the AFP, he admitted to have seriously considered of resigning. But he found hope in the ATR. And so did I.

 

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Tags: Army Roadmap, Army Transformation Roadmap, Mel Senen Sarmiento, Philippine Army, Soldiers