REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Reserve Officer’s Training Corps

Origin

According to the cadetcommand.army (July 2022), The ROTC story really begins

in 1819 with Capt. Alden Partridge, a former superintendent of the US Military Academy

at West Point, N.Y. The method of producing "Citizen Soldiers" was instituted by the

American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy at Norwich University in Northfield,

Vermont, led by Capt. Partridge. This idea would give college-educated men a strong

foundation in military strategy. In times of a national emergency, these "citizen-soldiers"

would be available to serve in the military. The Morrill Act of 1862 encouraged

increased access to military training on university campuses in the United States. The

Morrill Act, passed during the Civil War, granted federal lands to state-supported

institutions as long as military tactics training was given.

According to the history.com (June 2021), the National Defense Act, ratified by

Congress in May 1916 and signed by Wilson on June 3, brought the state’s militias

more under federal control and gave the president authority, in case of war or national

emergency, to mobilize the National Guard for the duration of the emergency. The

University of California-Berkeley and Norwich University were among the esteemed

academic institutions that made up this initial cohort. For the first time on American

college campuses, military teaching was centralized under one federal program. A total

of 50,000 men who had taken part in some kind of military training on a college campus

ultimately went on to fight in the First World War. The first batch of lieutenants from the
Army ROTC program were created during the academic year 1919–1920. By 1985,

more than 500,000 additional officers would join these 133 new ones.

In 1972, women were prevented from participating in Army ROTC because of

prior limitations. Major General Robert E. Wagner, the organization's first commander

and a Virginia Military Institute Army ROTC alumnus, set out to revitalize the program

and add greater rigor to the training and leadership evaluation procedures. In 2006,

Cadet Command commemorated its 20th anniversary of establishment. Since its

founding as a significant subordinate command of the U.S., more than 100,000

lieutenants for the American Army have been produced by the Army Training and

Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Cadet Command.

History of the ROTC in the Philippines

Filipinos were conscripted into the military during the time of Spanish colonial

authority and trained to serve as auxiliary forces in both home and overseas operations.

The Spaniard plainly applauded the Filipinos' military service, praising them for their

performance in operations like the capture of Ternate. More than 17,000 native Filipinos

served in the Spanish order of battle during the first stage of the Philippine Revolution

(1896–1897), with 60% of them being guardia civil members.

ROTC in the Philippines began when the Philippine Police Force started

obtaining military instruction at the University of the Philippines in 1912. A US Army

commander who assumed the responsibilities of a professor of military science was

hired after the university's board of regents made representations to the US Department
of War through the governor-general. The first official ROTC unit in the Philippines was

founded on July 3, 1922, at the University of the Philippines thanks to this arrangement.

The National Defense Act of 1935, also known as Commonwealth Act No. 1, was

put into effect by President Manuel L. Quezon in 1939. It was the embodiment of the

national defense strategy created by General Douglas MacArthur for the Philippine

Commonwealth. By virtue of this executive order, ROTC became necessary at all

colleges and universities with a minimum student body of 100. This action was taken,

notably for junior reserve officers, to help fill the reserve force need of 400,000 soldiers

by 1946.

In Republic Act No. 7077, the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist

Act of 1991, the word "officers" was given the possessive form, whereas

Commonwealth Act No. 1, the National Defense Act of 1935, referred to the ROTC as

the Reserve Officers Training Corps. The National Service Training Program Act of

2001 is known as Republic Act No. 9163  utilized the same possessive as RA 7077 as

well.

President Ferdinand Marcos revoked Executive Order No. 207 of 1939 on

February 8 of 1967 and issued Executive Order No. 59 in its place. All colleges,

universities, and other institutions with an enrollment of 250 or more male students were

required to offer ROTC as per this executive decree. On August 8, 1980, President

Marcos also enacted Presidential Decree No. 1706, widely known as the National

Service Law. All Filipino citizens were required to complete national service, which was

divided into three categories: military service, law enforcement service, and civic welfare

service.
 President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. reinstated ROTC as a requirement in 1967. Up

until China began surveying the West Philippine Sea and an increasing number of

rebels from the New People's Army (NPA) and Moro National Liberation Front, he

began with 60,000 to 270,000 soldiers (MNLF). One of the three program elements of

the National Service Training Program (NSTP), which focuses on military training and

readiness for national security, is the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) (Filipino

Historian International, February 2017).

Objective

The Reserve Officer’s Training Corps was the longest-existing program in the

government. Its main objective is to instill military discipline and proficiency. Before the

onset of World War II, ROTC trained the adolescents for military service, and they

joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In the event of conflict or tragedy, the

reserve officers are anticipated to meet the demands of the army. The Army ROTC

program’s students will gain management and leadership abilities that will help them.

However, those physically challenged and advised by a doctor are exceptional to

participate in this military training.

The Reserve Officer's Training Corps was established to equip young people for

peace and advancement. Some students were lacked the guts and courage to join the

ROTC because of the regimented nature of the program and how it differs from the Civil

Welfare Training Service, which is more like a civilian's heart when it comes to

volunteering. The ROTC, or Military Service students, is the future reservist, defender of
the republic, and keeper of harmony among the Filipinos. A few of students, regrettably,

chose not to go down this path because they were afraid of certain outcomes.

United States and Philippines ROTC’s Program

ROTC Program in the United States

The National Defense Act of 1916, which established both the ROTC and

JROTC programs, is the source of the term, which stands for "Reserve Officer' Training

Corps." This made it possible for colleges and high schools to get financing and

instructors for military training through a single ROTC organization.

College students are trained by ROTC in preparation for future duty in several

U.S. military branches. Each of the three armed forces has its own ROTC program.

U.S.-interested students through JROTC programs provided at the high school level,

those who join the military at a young age can also become familiar with the demands of

military training.

Benefits of ROTC and JROTC

Both high school and college are options for earning the ROTC scholarship. If

they continue in the ROTC program, high school graduates who get the scholarship will

be financially supported for four years. Students currently enrolled in college can

choose between two-and three-year scholarships. Cadets in the ROTC program also

have the choice of having their accommodation, board, and tuition paid for. Officials with

the ROTC said that the amount can change depending on the branch and class rank.

Online, the Army displays its monthly living allowance as $420, vs. $300–$500 for the

American Air Force and $350–$400 for the United States Navy, according to the
websites of the ROTC’s program in each branch. A book stipend ranges from $750 to

$1,200 depending on the branch.

Cadets accepted into the armed forces must also complete training, which,

according to ROTC officials, can last up to a month and emphasizes developing and

using leadership skills in tactical settings. This training is in addition to a college

curriculum that includes physical activity and military science courses. Training sessions

are held in the summer and encompass physical preparation, weapon handling, and

survival techniques.

The Difference Between ROTC and JROTC

For JROTC it's about developing good citizenship; for ROTC the goal is

commissioning officers into the military once they graduate from college.

Types of Reserve Officer’s Training Corps

A. Army ROTC

 This is one of the most challenging and effective leadership programs as

Army ROTC’s students will have leadership development, military training,

and career preparation. It also combines traditional academic study with

fieldwork and classroom instruction. Jump School and other summer

programs are also an option. An Army ROTC graduate who successfully

completes the program is commissioned as an Army officer.

B. Navy and Marine Corps ROTC

  A key component in preparing young adults for leadership and management

roles in the Navy's increasingly technical environment. It is a program that is

available in all 77 prestigious schools and institutions since it is a single

source of navy officer training across the country. Classrooms and fields are

both used for teaching as it is combined with military training and regular

academic studies. A graduate of the NROTC receives an officer's

commission upon graduation and has the option of pursuing a career in

surface warfare, naval aviation, submarine warfare, or special warfare. A

student who chooses to enlist in the Marine Corps must complete courses in

national security policy and the history of American military affairs as part of

their ROTC academic requirements.

C. Air Force ROTC

 The objective of this program is to develop leaders for the Air Force and

make them better American citizens. It has two programs, such as a four-

year program and a three-year program, that are both based on the Air

Force requirements and led by active-duty Air Force officers. Regular

college subjects are combined with the Air Force ROTC curriculum, which

covers everything from leadership studies to combat techniques, in the

courses. After graduation, a student becomes an officer in the Air Force.

Alongside their regular college studies, students take military science courses to

prepare for enlistment as officers in the United States after graduation from the Air

Force, Army, or Navy. Instead of an ROTC program, the Coast Guard grants
scholarships and a slot at officer candidate school after graduation through its College

Student Pre-Commisioning Initiative. More than 1,700 colleges and universities in the

US offer the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), a college program that trains

young adults to serve as officers in the country's military.

Former cadets give a wide range of justifications for joining the program, such as

the capacity to pay for college, leadership and decision-making abilities, mentorship, the

capacity to maximize the college experience, and the chance for graduates to serve

their country. Participants, or cadets, agree to serve in the military after graduating in

return for a free college education and a guaranteed post-college profession. Each

branch of the military approaches ROTC differently.

ROTC Program in the Philippines

According to the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of Philippines Article II Section

XIII, the state recognizes the important role of youth in the development of the country

and must promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social

welfare. It will be established in the youth of patriotism and nationalism, and will

encourage their participation in public and civic activities.

According to heimduo. org (May 2020), Republic Act 9163 under the NSTP

Program, both male and female college students of any baccalaureate degree course or

technical vocational course in public or private educational institutions are obliged to

undergo one of three program components, one of which is ROTC, for an academic

period of two semesters. However, for high school students, many US high schools
have 3 to 4 years JROTC programs run by various branches of the military. You may be

eligible to enroll in your school's JROTC program starting in 9th grade.

In order to generate competent Armed Forces of the Philippines reservists, the

ROTC is charged with instructing and molding Senior High School students in the

fundamentals of military service. In addition, once cadets are on campus, two (2) year

and three (3) year scholarships become available. The government will supply all ROTC

books, supplies, and equipment. You must be at least 17 years old to enroll in the

program. In May 2019, the bill to require the ROTC for students in Grades XI and XII

was adopted by the House of Representatives on its third and final reading. A vote of

167 in favor, four against, and no abstentions led to the passage of the law.

Controversies

Prior to the 2001 enactment of the NSTP Law, ROTC was taking over the

colleges and lacked a civil welfare and literacy component. A scheme like that is a

haven for corruption and abuse. To "test the courage, fortitude, and integrity" of a cadet,

hazing or the use of violence in ROTC has grown to be accepted practice. In actuality,

the NSTP statute of 2001 was passed and the schools were chosen by ROTC mostly as

a result of the hazing and corruption.

The hazing and murder of University of Santo Tomas student Mark Welson Chua

in 2001 was the specific occurrence that led to the passage of the NSTP Law in that

year. It was horrific that the cadets were slain as a result of their exposure to rotc

training corruption in UST, but it wasn't until President Duterte's law was enacted on

February 17th, 2017, that the ROTC was brought back to life.
 Students in grades XI and XII will be given access to ROTC under this method.

Renewed Interests of the Government to make Mandatory ROTC

According to President Rodrigo Duterte (November 2018), “Patriotism can be

instilled in senior high school students who undergo some military training. And so

are discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills, among many others. I should know. I

was corps commander in Preparatory Military Training during my high school days.”

The ROTC program teaches students discipline and obedience to authority,

which can be very helpful in solving the issues facing our nation, such as the

nightmare drug epidemic and the horrifying traffic jams made worse by disobedient

drivers and pedestrians. The decision to reinstate compulsory ROTC comes at a time

when the vast majority of Filipinos are concerned about Chinese incursions in the

West Philippine Sea.

In addition to the sense of discipline and patriotism that one gains through

actively participating in ROTC, one also develops a readiness to perform the ultimate

obligation of defending the Philippines against foreign attack, given that everyone has

a responsibility to defend the State. Enhancing the program and putting in place the

essential safeguards to prevent past failures are necessary if ROTC is to be widely

accepted and for the public to understand the importance of the program for the

growth and security of our nation. It may be a very effective deterrent to enemy

invaders to know that millions of Filipinos with ROTC training would be willing and

able to defend the motherland.

 “(The) Basic ROTC Program will include basic military training to motivate, train,

organize and utilize students for national defense preparedness or civil-military

operations. The bill provides, however, that no student below the age of 18 shall take

direct part in hostilities,” Gatchalian (July 2022)

In order to improve the nation's ability to produce the necessary manpower and

expand its human resources in times of war, calamities, and disasters, emergencies,

and in support of the law enforcement, Senator Gatchalian re-filed Senate Bill 387,

which seeks the institutionalization and administration of the Basic ROTC Program for

students enrolled in Grades XI and XII. A student who has successfully completed the

Basic ROTC program will be eligible to join the Reserve Force when they reach legal

age, whereas students who choose not to participate in the Basic ROTC program will

not be eligible to graduate.

According to Senator Gatchalian (July 2022), “Exemptions, however, may be

given to students who are certified psychologically and physically unfit by the Armed

Forces of the Philippines surgeon general, have undergone or are undergoing similar

military training and those who are chosen as varsity players in sports competition."

Senate Bill 387 emphasized safeguards and ensures compliance with the

Department of Education; Child Protection Policy and laws, such as the Special

Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act (Republic Act 11188), the Anti

Hazing Act of 2018 (RA 8049) and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse,

Exploitation and Discrimination Act (RA 7610). The grievance committees shall receive

complaints and conducts investigations on allegations of abuse, violence or corruption.

 "We will not return to the ROTC before, time will not be spent marching , too

much exposure under the sun. What is important are the values, discipline, additional

skills and love for country", added by Senator Gatchalian (July 2022).

Selected Students and Parent’s Perceptions on the Mandatory ROTC

According to Senator Sherwin Gatchalian (July 2022), he conducted a survey to

the Filipinos that agreeing to the proposed mandatory of the Reserve Officers Training

Corps (ROTC) Program in Senior High School was resulted into 69% of votes.

Gatchalian said about 71 % to the respondents in the National Capital Region

and 78% in the Visayas support mandatory ROTC in Senior Highchool while 67% in

Balance Luzon and 64% in Mindanao also say they support the proposal (pageone.ph

July 2022).

If abuses and violence in the past have given the appearance that the program is

ineffective and kids are learning nothing more than marching on the field in the blazing

heat, critics of ROTC cannot be held responsible. A militant youth organization even

asserted that ROTC encourages "blind obedience" and that it is "nothing more than a

fascist weapon of repression utilized by the state to foster a martial attitude" among

students.
Synthesis

Making the Reserve Officers' Training or ROTC program required for Grades 11

and 12 is one of the controversial laws in the Philippines. This is mandatory for all

students in Senior High School in all public and private educational institutions. This

indicates that both male and female pupils would need to complete the military training.

Today's ROTC program's primary goal is to prepare young men and women to enter the

military as officers. Once they graduate, students who participated in ROTC can start

serving as officers right away.