Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. has called on the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to revamp its training to produce “a new brand of soldiers” equipped to face 21st-century threats, including cyber warfare, drone operations, artificial intelligence (AI) and other multi-domain challenges.
During the PMA’s 125th Founding Anniversary celebration in Baguio City, Teodoro emphasised that the Philippine security environment has changed dramatically. He noted threats aren’t just limited to traditional land, sea and air battles—but extend into cyberspace, information operations, technological disruption and asymmetric warfare.
Teodoro instructed the Academy to review paradigms, processes and systems—and urged officers, cadets and enlisted personnel to continuously upgrade their skills, adapt to new realities, and embrace training that aligns with “modern warfare.”
In a related development, the PMA curriculum has been updated and approved to incorporate modern domains of warfare. The changes include merging of general education subjects, joint training across Army/Air Force/Navy branches, and subjects such as AI, drone warfare, cyber-warfare and unmanned systems.
Teodoro also visited the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and told operators to be proactive in preparing for emerging threats and to train constantly, as adversaries increasingly use advanced tech and unconventional tactics.
Why This Matters
- It signals a shift in military training away from legacy threats toward multi-domain warfare (land, sea, air, space, cyber/tech) and unconventional challenges.
- The move reflects Manila’s response to regional security changes, technological disruptions, and the need for a more agile, tech-savvy defence force.
- For cadets, officers and enlisted personnel, it means increased emphasis on technological literacy, analytical thinking, joint operations, and adaptability.
- For the public and policymakers, it underscores the government’s priority on modernising the military and ensuring the PMA remains relevant in a rapidly changing strategic landscape.