Sustaining war-fighting ethos: 53rd IB holds training joint closing ceremony

In its endeavor to create a “championship team,” the Army’s 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion (53IB) held a Joint Closing Ceremony of two of its in-house training sessions on October 12, 2020, at 53rd IB Headquarters, Camp Sabido, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

The training sessions included the Small Unit Leadership Development Training (SULDT) and Platoon Sustained Warfighting Enhancement and Evaluation Program (SWEEP).

In both training sessions, the Matapat Tropers and small-unit leaders were trained to provide effective Command and Control (C2). They are also trained to be physically fit and mentally tough because cannot function effectively if they are not physically ready to “keep up.”

In her message, the Joint Closing Ceremony keynote speaker and 7th Technical and Administrative Services (TAS) Brigade Commander of AFP Reserve Command Col. Amy Adona extended her enormous gratitude to the unit and the soldiers for their patriotism, dedication, and selfless service.

“I want to impart something that’s coming from my heart, you as a soldier are given the opportunity not only to kill terrorists, but God also gave you the opportunity to serve our people without expecting something in return,” said Col. Adona.

“The civilians and we, the frontliners, are enjoying our comfort zone, can sit on our swivel chairs and sleeping in our air-conditioned rooms, all because of you,” she added.

53rd IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera thanked the Army colonel, who is also a medical doctor, for gracing the closing ceremony.

“Necessary in warfighting is the soldier’s high sense of well-being and mindfulness, for it will enable him [or her] to overcome the harsh and dangerous environments of military operations, ” said Lt. Col. Herrera.

With their leadership enhanced and skills honed, the graduates are expected to contribute to the end of NPA terrorists in the unit’s area of operations.