MILITARY ORGANIZATION

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE AFP

The origin of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) could be traced to the
Tejeros Convention in 1897-where the revolutionary government of General Emilio
Aguinaldo created the Philippine Army under Captain General Artemio Ricarte. This Army
was the off-shoot of the Revolutionary Forces, which took arms against the Spanish
Government from August 30, 1896 up to December 10, 1898 when the treaty of Paris was
entered into by the United States of America and Spain. The same Army engaged the
Americans during the hostilities between the Philippines and the United States which
began on the night of February 4, 1899 and lasted up to September 25, 1903 - when the
last of Filipino Generals, General Simeon Ola surrendered to the Americans. After the
Filipino-American war, the country's armed forces organized through the promulgation of
the National Defense Act in 1935 which created the Philippine Army, with the off-shore
patrol and Army Air Corps as its major components. The Philippine Constabulary, was
then existing under the Department of Interior.
After World War II, four military areas were activated to take the place of military
districts. The Armed Forces was reorganized which gave birth to the four major services of
the Armed Forces. Headquarters National Defense Forces was renamed General
Headquarters Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The Philippine Army subsequently became the Armed Forces of the Philippines on
December 23, 1950 with four (4) major services namely: Philippine Army, Philippine Air
Force, Philippine Navy and the Philippine Constabulary. The country was divided into four
military areas. This set-up remained until the early 1980's when a major restructuring of
the AFP was made as result of the alarming upsurge activities in the country regional
unified commands were organized and areas of responsibility were assigned which
conformed them to the twelve regional boundaries of the country.

MISSION OF THE AFP

Following are the mission of the Armed Forces of the Philippines:
1. To uphold the sovereignty, support the constitution and defend the territory of the
Republic of the Philippines against all enemies foreign and domestic.
2. To advance the national aims and policies.
3. To effectively plan for the organization, maintenance, development and employment of
its regular and citizen reserve forces for national security.
4. To perform such other functions as the President may direct.

CHAIN OF COMMAND (Commander-in-chief, DND, AFP)

“The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all Armed Forces of the
Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such Armed Forces to
prevent and suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion.” (Art VII, Sec 18).
The Secretary of National Defense exercises supervision and control over the Armed
Forces of the Philippines. Charge with the responsibility of directing, planning and
supervising the National Defense program. The Chief of Staff, AFP is the highest military
officer in the AFP. He has command and control over all the elements of the AFP. He
executes the President’s command functions in relation to military strategy, tactics and
operations and acts as the immediate adviser to the Secretary of National Defense.

COMPONENTS OF THE AFP

As provided for in the National Defense Act, as amended, the Armed Forces of the
Philippines shall be composed of the Regular Force and Reserve Force components.
1. The Regular Force
- the permanent military organization which is maintained in the time of peace and war. In
time of peace, the authorized active commissioned officer and enlisted personnel of the
 Regular Force is determined every year by the annual general and special
Appropriation Act. This strength however, does not only include those officers and EP
who are permanently commissioned or serving under voluntary enlistment in the
Regular Force, but also those officer and reservist assigned for duty with the different
services of the Regular Force.
2. The Reservist Force
- the military organization that will come to physical existence only upon mobilization
as may be called upon by the Commander-in-Chief due to state of national emergency
such as war or widespread disorder. Units of the Reserved Force are “paper”
organizations which come to being to augment the Regular Force in comforting the
threat to the Nation. The Reserved Force Organization includes the commissioned
Reserved Officers and all citizens who have completed the prescribed trainee
instructions as provided by the National Defense Act and who are assigned as
reservists to the organizations of the Reserved Force.

THE THREE (3) MAJOR SERVICES AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

A. THE PHILIPPINE ARMY
Is responsible for the preparation of land forces necessary for the effective
prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned and in accordance with integrated
mobilization plans for expansion of the peace time components of the Army to meet
the needs of war.
Functions:
a. To organize, train and equip army forces for the conduct of prompt and
sustained combat operations on land – especially forces to defeat enemy land
forces and to seize, occupy and defend land areas.
b. To develop doctrine, procedures, tactics and techniques, organization and
equipment peculiar to the Army for un-service operations.
c. To develop in coordination with other major services, doctrines, procedures,
tactics, and techniques and equipment of interest to the Army for joint
operations.
d. To provide and organization capable of furnishing adequate, timely and
reliable intelligence for the Army.
e. To organize, train, and equip all Army reserve units.
f. To perform such other task functions as the President may direct.

B. PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE

Is responsible for the preparation of air forces necessary for the effective
prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned in accordance with integrated
mobilization plans, for the expansion of the peacetime components of the Air Force
to meet the needs of war.
Function:
a. To organize, train and equip air forces for prompt and sustained operations in
the air, especially forces to defend the Philippines against air attacks, to gain
and maintain air superiority and to control vital air areas.
b. To organize, train and equip Air Forces, forces for close support of surface
forces.
c. To develop doctrines, procedures, tactics and techniques, organization and
equipment peculiar to the Air Forces for un-service operation.
d. To develop in coordination with the other major services, doctrines,
procedures, tactics and techniques and equipment of interest to the Air
Forces for joint operation.
e. To provide an organization capable of furnishing adequate, timely and reliable
intelligence for the Air Forces

C. THE PHILIPPINE NAVY

 The Philippine navy is responsible for the preparation of Navy Forces
effective for prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned, in accordance with
integration mobilization plans for the expansion for the peacetime components of the
Navy to meet the needs of war.
Function:
a. To organize, train, equip, maintain and operate naval air crafts, necessary to
provide water borne support to assistance required of the AFP in the
accomplishment of its mission.
b. To assist the proper government agencies in the enforcement of the Laws
and regulation pertaining to navigation, immigration, custom revenue, opium,
quarantine, fishing and neutrality in the territorial and contiguous waters of the
Philippines Archipelago.
c. To develop doctrine, procedure, tactics and techniques, organization and
equipment peculiar to the Navy for unit-service operations.
d. To develop, in coordination with the other major service, doctrines procedure,
tactics and techniques and equipment and interest to the reconnaissance,
anti-submarine welfare and protection of shipping.
e. To perform such as other function the President may direct

Operations:
The Philippine Fleet, the Philippine Coast guard and the Philippine Marines
are the operating forces of the Philippine Navy. These forces are the vital
components of the Navy to accomplished its function for naval defense, law
enforcement and maintenance of peace and order, national development and
country insurgency
1. The Philippine Fleet.
The core of Philippine Navy is the Philippine Navy fleet, since the
ships are assembled into a completely prepared and integrated systems to
composed the fleet that is thoroughly and collective trained as the naval
fighting force. Its mission is to man, train and maintain operationally ready
sub-surface, air and amphibious forces in order that they can be deployed to
conduct prompt operations, support of the National Interest.
2. The Philippine Coast Guard
The mission of the Philippine Coast Guard is to enforce or assist in to
the enforcement of maritime laws, to promulgate and administered regulation
for the safety of life and property at sea, and to develop, establish, maintain
and operate, with due to requirements of National Defense, aids to maritime
navigation and sea rescue facilities.
3. The Philippine Maritime
Missions:
a. To provides force of combined arms and to serve with the naval
forces in the conduct of such amphibious or special operations as
may be essential to the prosecution of naval campaign.
b. To provides security abroad naval bases, vessels, stations and other
government installation.
c. To develop in coordination with other services of doctrine, tactics,
techniques and equipment by landing forces in amphibious
operation.
d. To maintain a force in readiness for internal contingencies and
fulfillment commitments of the country.
e. To participate in socio –economic development and assist in time of
national calamities and disasters.
f. To perform such other duties as the Flag Officer in Command,
Philippine Navy may direct
MAJOR SERVICES RESCOMS AND AFPRESCOM
Prior to the enactment of the AFP Reservist Act (Republic Act Number 7077) on 27
June 1991, reserve force development was already an existing phenomenon in the AFP as
far back as 1939 when the then General of the Army, Douglas McArthur was commissioned
to the Commonwealth of the Philippines to organize its citizen army. The surfacing of a new
organization that would coordinate and integrate the efforts of the pioneering citizen’s army
forces was met with resistance for decades.
The AFP Reservist Act or RA Nr. 7077 provided for the reorganization of the AFP
Reserve Force into four (4) major components, namely: the Army Reserve, the Navy
Reserve, the Air Force Reserve, and the AFP-Wide technical and Affiliated Reserve
Command within one year after its enactment. The urgency of this mandate pushed General
Headquarters, AFP to activate the AFP Reserve Command (AFPRESCOM) from the
personnel and facilities of the defunct Metropolitan Citizen Military Training Command
(MCMTC) on 01 April 1993.

1. AFPRESCOM
- organized as an AFP-wide support and separate unit on 01 April 1993 pursuant to
General Order No. 22 GHQ, AFP dated 02 March 1993 and Republic Act No. 7077,
otherwise known as the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act.
AFPRESCOM is mandated to provide direction for the development, administration,
organization, training, maintenance and utilization of the Citizen Armed Forces as a
base for the rapid expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in times of
emergency.
- In the performance of its functions, the Command is organized into two (2) major
operational units, namely (a) Affiliated Reserve Group (ARG) and (b) Technical
Service Reserve Group (TSRG) which are tasked to train and develop affiliated
reservists and technical service reservists, respectively. The training of these
reservists is directly under the supervision and control of the Reservists Training
Center (RTC).

2. Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM)

- premised on a dedication to service, faced with the challenge of being in a constant
state of readiness and responsiveness if it is to back up the regular army. Its
enduring values of professionalism, integrity and responsibility to the nation through
selfless service must be kept alive to meet the demands of the time.
3. Naval Reserve Command (NAVRESCOM)
-tasked to oversee and administer all naval reservists in our country, in order to
provide the navy not only a base for expansion in the event of war, invasion,
rebellion, or disaster and calamity relief but also to assist in socio-economic
development of the country. These Centers served as its operating units in far flung
areas to ensure that its task of reaching that vast naval reserve manpower is carried
with ease and achieve desired goals. NAVRESCOM has managed to activate eight
(8) Naval Reserve centers throughout the country namely:

a. Naval Reserve Center Northern Luzon (NRCNL)

- situated at Bunuan Gueset, Dagupan City and covers all areas north of
NRNCR to Batanes Island.
b. Naval Reserve Center National Capital Region (NRCNCR)
- situated at BNS, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City and covers all areas of National
Capital Region.
c. Naval Reserve Center Southern Luzon (NRCSL)
- situated at Rawis, Legaspi City and covers areas from Batangas, Mindoro,
Romblon and entire Bicol Region
d. Naval Reserve Center West (NRCW) - Puerto Princesa, Palawan
 e. Naval Reserve Center Eastern Visayas (NRCEV)
- situated at Cebu City and covers the entire Eastern Visayas.
f. Naval Reserve Center Western Visayas (NRCWV)
- situated at Iloilo and covers the whole Western Visayas.
g. Naval Reserve Center Western Mindanao (NRCWM)
- situated at Zamboanga City and covers areas from Cotabato, Zamboanga,
Basilan, Jolo and Tawi-tawi.
h. Naval Reserve Center Eastern Mindanao (NRCEM)
- situated at Davao City and covers entire Davao to Gen Santos City.

4. Air Force Reserve Command (AFRESCOM)

-is actively involved in the administration and utilization of the air reservist
responding and acting quickly to rescue calls whenever and wherever disaster
occurs.

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

A. THE GENERAL HEADQUARTERS
1. The Chief of Staff AFP. The CSAFP is the highest military officer in the AFP. Being
the Commanding General of the AFP, he exercises command over all element of
the organization. He executes the Presidents command functions in relation to
military strategy, tactics and operations and acts as the immediate adviser of the
Secretary of National Defense on national defense programs.
2. The Vice Chief of Staff, AFP. The Deputy Commanding General of the AFP is
known and designated as the Vice Chief of Staff, AFP (VSCAFP) and He assist the
Chief of Staff and performs his functions in his absence.
3. The Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP. The DCSAFP is designated by the CSAFP and he
exercises general supervision over the Joint Staff and Special Staff (Administrative
and Technical). The executive officer of the CSAFP, VCSAFP and DSCAFP is the
Secretary to the Joint Staff, AFP (SJSAFP).
4. The Joint Staff, AFP. The general staff of the AFP is known as the Joint Staff, AFP
(JSAFP). It is composed of CSAFP, the VCSAFP, and the heads of the Joint Staff
Divisions. Following are heads of the different Joint Staff Divisions:
a. The Deputy Chief of Staff for personnel and Administration, J-1.
- Assists the CSAFP in attainment of personnel objectives including command
and staff, direction, coordination, control, recruitment and retention of officers
and soldiers as well as civilian employees
b. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, J-2.
- formulation of intelligence policies, plans and programs, and exercise control
over all military intelligence units/ office in the AFP
c. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Training or Organization, J-3.
- Responsible for planning, coordination and supervision of all operations of the
AFP
d. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistic, J-4.
- Advises CSAFP on logistical needs of AFP units including supervision,
coordination and evaluation of approved plans, policies and procedures
pertaining to logistics
e. The Deputy of Staff for Plans, J-5.
- In charge with preparations of long range policies and plans in the AFP
f. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Controllership, J-6.
- Assists and advices the CSAFP on the conduct of civil relation activities of the
AFP and build up strong home defense in all areas of the country
g. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, J-7.
- Plans and formulate policies pertaining to the development of all Reservist
and Retirees of the AFP
 h. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training, J-8.
i. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Material Development, J-9.
j. The Deputy Chief of Staff for Retiree and Reservist Affairs, J-10

5. The Special Staff. The special Staff of the AFP is consisting of two staff groups which
advise the CSAFP on matters pertaining to their specialized field of service or activity.
a. The Administrative Staff:
1. The Inspector General (TIG)
2. The Adjutant General (TAG)
- Maintains and manages official records of the AFP
3. The Judge Advocate General (TJAG)
- supervises the system military justice throughout the AFP
4. The Chief Chaplain Service (TCCHS)
- Advises CSAFP on religious moral character guidance in the AFP
5. The Chief Finance Service (TCFS)
6. The Chief Provost Marshall General (TCPMG)
- Advise the CSAFP on promulgation / enforcement of laws, orders and
regulations for maintenance of order and discipline
7. The Chief Special Service (TCSS)
- Plans and supervise programs to develop and maintain the physical and
mental well-being of personnel and provide entertainment sport and
recreational activities for the AFP
8. The Chief Historical Activities (TCHA)
- Plans, coordinates, supervise and executes the historical programs of the
AFP
9. The Chief Doctrines Development (TCDD)
10. Chief AFP Management Information Center (CAFPMIC)
- Provides management information necessary in the formulation of the
policies and in decision making, particularly for strategic planning,
operations and management control areas.
b. The Technical Staff:
1. The Chief of Engineers (TCE)
- Supervise all construction required for the National Defense including land
and seacoast
- Defenses the maintenance of construction and operation of all utilities
excepts the that may be specially assigned to other services by the CSAFP
2. The Chief Ordnance Service and Chemical Service (TCOCS)
3. The Quartermaster General (TQMG)
- Provides service for the proper disposition of deceased AFP personnel
and the operation and maintenance of AFP, cemeteries.
4. The Chief Communication Electronics Service (TCC-ES)
- Assist the CSAFP in the formulation of policies, preparation of plans and
supervision of communication-electronics activities of the AFP.
5. The Surgeon General (TSG)
- Plans coordinates, and supervise all activities of the Medical Service for
the C of S, AFP to achieve maximum result for efficient service
6. The Chief Dental Service (TCDS)
7. The Chief Nurse (TCN)
- Assist the CSAFP in the formulation of policies and in the planning,
coordination and supervision of all matters pertaining to the Nurse Corps,
AFP and Nursing Service

B. THE AFP WIDE SUPPORT AND SEPARATE UNITS:

1. AFP Logistics Command (AFPLC)
 2. Intelligence Service AFP (ISAFP)
3. AFP Medical Center (AFPMC)
4. Philippine Military Academy (PMA)
5. AFP Command and General Staff College (AFPCGSC)
6. AFP Communications Electronic Group (AFPCEG)
7. AFP Centralized Construction Center (AFPCCC)
8. AFP Research and Development Center (AFPRDC)
9. AFP Finance Center (AFPFC)
10. AFP Dental Center (AFPDC)
11. AFP Composite Military Police Brigade (AFPCMPB)
12. AFP Commissary and Exchange Service (AFPCES)
13. AFP Mapping Center (AFPMC)
14. Civil Relation Service AFP (AFPCRS)
15. AFP Computer System command (AFPCSC)
16. AFP Training Command (AFPTRACOM)

C. THE AFP AREA COMMANDS:

2. Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM)
3. Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM)
4. Western Command (WESCOM)
5. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)