MANILA — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., has lauded the 200 sergeant majors and other non-commissioned officers for being the “indispensable bridge” between the enlisted troops and their commanders.
“You have done a remarkable job of acting as leaders and mediators by bringing to attention, the issues and concerns of our soldiers, particularly on their morale and welfare and discipline, which carry a great weight on the accomplishment of the AFP mission,” Galvez told the personnel who attended the three-day Year-End Consultative Meeting of Sergeant Majors in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City that ended on Friday.
He also recognized 17 retiring and retired sergeant majors who were previously awarded for their exceptional work and service as command sergeant majors of their respective units.
The meeting also highlighted the Office of the AFP Sergeant Major’s deliverables in uplifting the morale and welfare of soldiers, best practices during the Marawi Crisis, and updates on scholarships for soldiers and their dependents.
“As the highest-ranking enlisted personnel of the AFP, the AFP Sergeant Major and our Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) plays a very important role in the efficient and successful functions and operations of the AFP. You are the ‘indispensable bridge’ that connects our enlisted personnel to the AFP leadership. You are the officer’s and soldier’s father, brother, mentor and guardian,” he added.
Galvez, in his speech, also quoted prominent French military leader Napoleon Bonaparte that “war is a matter of morale.”
The consultative meeting was organized by the Office of the AFP Sergeant Major, which is celebrating its 49th anniversary this month and also in conjunction with the 22nd NCO Day held every October. (Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
