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“AN AIRMAN IS NO AIRMAN TILL HE IS AN INSTEP AIRMAN”

Remarks of Lt General Oscar H Rabena AFP CG, PAF

AETC Anniversary -22 September 2009

Amenities…

First of all, I’d like to greet the men and women of AETC headed by Brig Gen Tato Sanchez for the splendid performance, first the Silent Drill – I was told that that was the maiden performance of a particular class and also the demonstration of their capability which I believe could be used as a mode of training in tactics. And of course, we have witnessed the Parade and Review showing a depiction of the Air Force Core Values. It is very clear and vivid what this unit has achieved in so far as Core Values is concerned and I congratulate you, the men and women of AETC led by its Commander for its achievement so far in the state of core Values in each member of this Command.

In the coming days, months and years, the Philippine Air Force’s relevant existence will lie in its pool of highly competent men and women who are more than ready to face the uncertainties of the future. As I step unto this podium and see all of you, proud as ever in this most auspicious occasion, I am more than convinced that we are prepared for the challenges yet ahead, BECAUSE SEEING YOU ALL TODAY, HAS GIVEN ME THAT REASON TO HAVE THAT STRONG FAITH AND CONFIDENCE IN YOUR ABILITY TO TRAIN OUR FORCE AND GIVE THEM THE NECESSARY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE AND EVEN VALUES THAT THEY DESERVE; WITH THE ATTRIBUTE OF EXCELLENCE ALWAYS IN MIND!… I THINK THAT DESERVES A ROUND OF APPLAUSE!

Let me, first and foremost, greet all of you a jovial 10^th year anniversary! The metamorphosis of this organization into a truly functional command of the Philippine Air Force has been tremendous and admirable. None of which would have not been possible if not for the sacrifices of those who went ahead of us; of those whose inclination is to create an ideal training institution that works best for the Philippine Air Force; those who selflessly devoted time and effort to make this institution to what it is now; CREDIBLE, DEPENDABLE AND DRIVEN. Our forerunners, I know, are happy to see where we are now, for our triumph is their personal victory as well. To the former commanders, and of course, the mentors whether in the active service or basking already the fruits of retirement, my profound thanks for all your lofty contributions and for the support while you were serving this revered institution of the Philippine Air Force. Palakpakan po natin sila!

THE PAST

Gone are the days when military officers and men have limited access to education and training because of reasonable constraints that the organization have to deal with during its early stages in history. When you look back to the days of the not-so-distant past, soldiers received basic training and then what happens afterward, was purely a product of initiative and personal outlook to develop one’s self—an upgrade of some sort. Many of our soldiers had to learn and re-learn the basics in the field. At times, under the sweltering heat of the Mindanao sun, or the warm and humid atmosphere of Isabela, or perhaps, in the claustrophobic space and volatile environment of Jolo; our men had to contend with these harsh conditions while trying to develop themselves and be abreast, in limited terms, with what was essential during those most difficult times— to be as effective as possible onwards mission-accomplishment despite the handicaps brought about by limited training and education. These were of course, aggravated by distance to military training institutions, limited infrastructure and technology that posed real issues and problems. Those were the sad realities for the Air Force but we were undaunted by them. BECAUSE THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS THAT THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO ARE WELL-EDUCATED, WELL-TRAINED AND THE LEARNED; THE MILITARY IS NO EXCEPTION… AGAIN, THE MILITARY IS NO EXCEPTION…18^th Century novelist Ann Radcliffe once said and I quote, “A well-informed mind is the best security against the contagion of folly and of vice. The vacant mind is ever on the watch for relief, and ready to plunge into error, to escape from the languor of idleness.”

Ang aking karanasan at karanasan ng mga sundalong aking nakasama noong mga panahong yaon ang naging susi, sa pagbuo ng sariling adhikain na sana, ay maging saksi ako muli, sa isang hukbo na may ganap na edukasyon at kakayahan na manguna sa ating bansa tungo sa pagkakaisa at kaunlaran.

THE PRESENT

But times have changed significantly since then! I am more truly happy, and proud to say that my aspirations of seeing an educated and well-trained men and women of the Air Force during the early beginnings of my military career, are gradually turning into reality. You are all a testament to this and I congratulate each member of this unit for accomplishing the thrust and for reaching this far. As you dig those heels deep into the ground and march with pride on every stride, as you swing those arms nonchalantly in unison and as you execute that crisp salute, attest to the brand of discipline and peculiar only to those who have sought so intensely the wisdom that is acquired through training and education. Adding to your accomplishments are the bright prospects in the area of community development. The Bayan Anihan Livelihood Assistance Program and Tree planting activities are positive steps in being conscious and aware of reaching out to our community and a determined and focused effort, to help mother earth preserve its environs. These are some of the CMO activities that you have conducted and of course I’d like you to know that while you as a unit conduct these activities to win the hearts and minds of the people, you must also bear in mind that each of you is a CMO agent. Because whatever good thing you do out there - in the communities, in our society- will reflect on the organization. So I congratulate all of you for the salient programs that you have spearheaded, and with all your other accomplishments, you deserve no less than my admiration and for that, I applaud you all. Palakpakan natin ang AETC. Thank you, thank you for making me proud.

This goes to show that the orthodox descriptions of the men and women in blue are things of the past. No longer are we confined to the diminutive space of our cockpits, briefing rooms and classrooms. No longer are we limited to the jargon of technical specifications of our aircraft, flight maneuvers and instructional manuals. We are beyond that; we are greater than that; our missions are broader and wider in scope and perspective. Aside from being pilots weapons, administrative and maintenance experts, the Air Force man of today is also an educator who is competent, well-trained and never timid to the challenges of the present and undaunted by the uncertainties of the future. Although, we are still in the process of morphing this organization that we love so dearly to be at par with our counterparts in the region, the stride and pace that we have taken are big steps, they are significant and they are bold and daring. But such should be sustained, because I believe in my heart that now is the best time; the time is truly ripe for all of you “TO TAKE THE BIG LEAP, TO KEEP IN STEP WITH TEAM AIR FORCE!

Truly, your theme for this year’s festivity capture the zealous aspiration of each officer and men of this proud unit to be ahead and be predominant entities in our commitment; to be responsive as ever to peace and national development. This I believe you can handle all too well, but let me just add one more; while you aspire to KEEP INSTEP, I SUGGEST THAT YOU CONTINUE TO REMAIN AND STAY AHEAD OF THE PACK IN A MORALLY RE-ENERGIZED AIR FORCE. In this present state of affairs, while we associate ourselves all the time with the hallowed values of InSTEP, it is important that we practice what we preach, like what you have presented a while ago should be practiced in our day to day lives, be pillars in forming a morally upright organization that functions and imbibes its essence even in the absence of peers and superiors, even when tempted and influenced by other groups to go against the system and even when confronted by choice, the easy road of wickedness or the more fulfilling path of righteousness. It is our Core Values of InSTEP that will propel us to greatness, not new weapon systems or equipment, not new buildings, but it is actually our values that will keep us in this organization. BEAR IN MIND THAT AN AIRMAN IS NO AIRMAN TILL HE IS AN INSTEP AIRMAN! The Airman of today is distinct than what he was years ago. He is an InSTEP Airman; an airman that is educated, well trained and discerns and practices the true connotation of the Air Force’s core values. THIS IS THE AIRMAN THAT WE HAVE TODAY, AND HE WILL BE THE AIRMAN THAT WE WILL NURTURE FOR POSTERITY! AT KAYONG LAHAT, AY AKING KATUWANG TUNGO SA MITHIING ITO!

THE FUTURE

We have laid clearly the foundations and directions where this organization will be heading. Our Capability Upgrade Programs are in the pipeline and with faith, I know, we will be equipped decently to address the issues of the times, and these include, of course, assets, systems and fixtures dedicated solely for the purpose of training the force, in order to exploit the potentials and adeptness of our men and women. But right now, I prod you all to sustain this momentum of yours and never waver from these highly-placed ideals and standards that you have set for yourselves. As you have mentioned, excellence is not a goal; excellence is your standard. REMEMBER, THIS INSTITUTION WILL PREPARE THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE AIR FORCE OF TODAY, SO THAT IN DUE TIME, THEY CAN LEAD THE AIR FORCE OF TOMORROW. This revered organization holds the key to the air force of the future.This is our rallying ground. And with this, comes not only that huge responsibility but the greater challenge of ensuring that we get there at the right place and time. YOU HAVE MY FAITH, YOU HAVE MY CONFIDENCE AND I HOPE I HAVE YOUR COMMITMENT!

CONCLUSION

Finally, we cannot reach our aspirations without solid spiritual moorings. It has to be firm, and steady to go against the waves, however mighty and strong they may be. Even in the corporate arena, where we at times suspect that most are driven by money, by bullish market forces and whatever that is green and rising in the stock market, but in truth, most managers place spiritual capacity on top of their personal pyramid, in order to be on top and remain sane despite capricious market conditions. Because in Proverbs, the Holy Scripture says, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”

So with that, I salute you all! Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and once again, congratulations! Mabuhay ang Air Education and Training Command! Mabuhay ang Philippine Air Force! God bless us all!