Some 276 officers and enlisted personnel from different services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have completed their paratrooper training with the Fort Magsaysay-based Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) [SFR(A)], the Philippine Army (PA) announced Thursday.
These new graduates belong to two batches of Basic Airborne Course, Jump Master Course and Parachute Packing Course, according to PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad in a statement.
Trinidad said the majority of the newly minted airborne troopers are part of the Philippine Military Academy “Bagsik Diwa” Class of 2022, while the rest are organic personnel of SFR(A), Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy’s Naval Special Operations Command.
SFR(A) commander Col. Ferdinand Napuli said 38 more troopers are also set to undergo the Military Free Fall Course and Parachute Packing Skills Enhancement Training.
The Philippine Army said it is fully supporting SFR(A) and its military battalions deployed in conflict-affected areas nationwide. “The Army leadership is committed to providing the unit with the necessary equipment and resources to further enhance the skills and capabilities of Special Forces operators,” said Trinidad.