Armed Forces of the Philippines

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The Armed Forces of the Philippines or AFP (Filipino: Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas) originated in
the revolutionary battles during the Philippin... (More) The Armed Forces of the Philippines or AFP (Filipino: Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas) originated in
the revolutionary battles during the Philippine War of Independence against Spain. The AFP was
formally organized during the American Commonwealth era through Commonwealth Act No. 1 or the
National Defense Act of December 21, 1935. It is the principal body of defense for the nation, under the
leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the President of the Philippines. Organized
under the advisory supervision of General Douglas MacArthur by invitation of Commonwealth Pres.
Manuel L. Quezon, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is loosely based on the structure of the military
of the United States. While modest in its material and technological capability, the AFP soldiers are
considered one of the most battle-hardened armies in the world due to their long exposure to counterinsurgency
and anti-secessionist campaigns in the Philippines.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines consists of the Army (Hukbong Katihan), Navy (Hukbong Dagat)
and Air Force (Hukbong Himpapawid). The Navy is comprised of two commands: the Philippine Fleet
and the Marine Corps. The Coast Guard exists under naval command. The National Defense College of
the Philippines and Philippine Military Academy are the principal defense training institutions.
Due to its close relationship with the United States military establishment, the Armed Forces of the
Philippines was considered the strongest national defense program in Asia— especially in the 1950s
and 1960s. The expulsion of United States military presence from its structures, cuts in funding by the
Congress of the Philippines and the nature of Philippine politics has been cited as sources of decline of
the Armed Forces of the Philippines in recent years.
The average age of its manpower is 18 years old; males aged 15 through 49 are eligible for recruitment
and active duty. The 1998 fiscal year expenditures for the Armed Forces of the Philippines totaled USD
$995 million; a total of 1.5% of the gross domestic product. (Less)