The Philippine Army’s Artillery “King of Battle” Regiment (AAR) and Aviation “Hiraya” Regiment held separate service orientation tours for 339 Third Class Cadets (3CL) of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Siklab-Laya” Class of 2025 in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on July 21, 2022.
Cadets of the country’s premier military academy were briefed about the thrusts, programs, future structure and upcoming assets of the regiment during the tour held at the AAR’s Multi-Purpose Facility. AAR Deputy Regiment Commander Col. Ray Claudio R. Abaya, in his keynote speech before the cadets, highlighted career opportunities for future officers who will lead the Army’s cannoneer ranks. He added that Army provides equal opportunities for both female and male officers in line with the requisites of military service.
The cadets were given a glimpse of the regiment’s legacy guns, the 105mm howitzers, and the newly acquired 155mm self-propelled guns from Israel which is now under the newly activated 10th Field Artillery “Rolling Thunder” Battalion (SP-155). Selected cadets also test-fired the regiment’s howitzers.
Meanwhile, PMA cadets also visited the Hiraya Regiment’s Aviation School Center, Aerodrome Control Tower, and Maintenance Hangar. Aviation Regiment Commander Col. Andre B. Santos also briefed the cadets on the mission, capabilities and the current thrusts of the regiment. Several cadets also had the opportunity to fly aboard the Bolkow Bo 105M helicopter, the R44 helicopter, and Cessna 172 aircraft.
This activity aims to encourage the cadets to join the Philippine Army and hopefully, become an Army aviators in the near future. The visit also seeks to broaden their knowledge and appreciation of specific Army units like the Aviation Regiment.
Photos from the Philippine Army’s Artillery “King of Battle” Regiment and Aviation “Hiraya” Regiment