“Take one Mess at a time” (Reception Ceremony)

As I lay down on my bunks for my first night at PAFOCS, I noticed a quote at the top of
my bunks: 'Take one mess at a time'. At first, I didn’t understand what it meant, as time passes by
this becomes my survival mantra in the training. This becomes a reminder no matter how hard a
day can be, you just need to make it through till the next mess.

From the moment we step on the hallowed grounds of AETDC last 10 January 2023, this
marks the inception of the military life of 141 strong members of BAGSIK-LAWIN. With the
thousands of applicants, only a few were chosen to chase their dream to become an Air Force
Officer. Ablaze with different stories of entering this institution, each member of the class is full
of dedication and ambition.

These young men and women undergo their Reception Ceremony on AETDC grandstand
last 23 January 2023. This ceremony symbolizes the start of the 12-month military training of
PAF OCC CL-2023, transforming the civilian antics of these individuals into strict and rigid
military life of becoming future competent leaders of the Philippine Air Force. The highlight of
the event is where the Officer Candidates perform a series of exercises in six stations for 30-
minutes facilitated by their military training instructor. The event was attended by the families
and loved ones of PAFOCC CL-2023.