227 recruits join PMA Class 2015 after rites

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City – A total of 227 applicants formally joined the Philippine Military Academy here last week after undergoing the traditional reception rites.

Out of the 227 recruits of PMA Class of 2015, 202 were male and 25 female pursuant to requirement at least 10 percent of the class must be female.

Before undergoing the traditional exercises for the reception rites, the fourth-class cadets who will be first known as "plebes" took their oath as members of the official PMA family.

Brig. Gen. Nonato Alfredo Peralta Jr., PMA superintendent, said the plebes will now realize a change in their life from that of an ordinary civilian to that of military life with many restrictions as they move along in pursuit of their dreams of becoming officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The PMA cadets are full government scholars during their stay in the academy as they are granted benefits.

After graduation, they will be commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants and Ensigns of the AFP and become future military leaders.

For the next two months, the plebes will undergo the so-called "beast barracks" where they will undergo rigid physical training. -- Dexter A. See