DND seeks recruitment of more digital technology experts for PH military

The Department of National Defense (DND) is eyeing the recruitment of more professionals with an intense background on artificial intelligence, cyber operations and other emerging technologies which it said are essential to modernizing and expanding the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). DND Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. said the AFP was already directed to pursue such blueprint under the move to expand the Direct Commission Program in the military that covers recruitment and commissioning of qualified Advance Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) graduates, deserving enlisted personnel, and highly skilled professionals. By highly skilled professionals, Teodoro is referring to cyber operations, artificial intelligence, engineering, aviation, communications, and research and development “to develop a more agile, technologically capable, and multidisciplinary military force.” “The expanded Direct Commission Program supports the AFP’s modernization efforts and the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept by ensuring the Armed Forces can attract, develop, and retain the specialized talent needed to address evolving defense and security challenges, and safeguard national security,” the DND said in a statement released on Saturday, July 25. In the same statement, it said Teodoro also instructed the AFP to establish merit-based pathways for commissioning outstanding enlisted personnel. The AFP was also tasked to consider reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities whose expertise are vital to defense missions, and develop appropriate training and career development programs for personnel recruited through these non-traditional entry pathways. “By strengthening the AFP’s human capital, the DND continues to build the capabilities required to defend the nation, sustain internal security gains, and address emerging threats in an increasingly complex strategic environment,” the DND said in a statement released on Saturday, July 25. The DND said all implementing guidelines must remain consistent with existing laws and uphold the AFP’s professional, operational, and security standards.