Newly-appointed Philippine Army (PA) Chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino, Jr., vowed to further professionalize the service by fast-tracking the development of its various doctrines.

“I shall lead based on the five-fold thrust. First, as a force provider tasked to develop, organize, train, equip, support, and sustain land forces, we must fast-track the development of the Army’s capabilities on doctrines, organization, training, materiel, personnel, facilities, and policies and prudent spending of financial resources of the Army shall be mandated in all units,” Faustino said in his assumption speech at the change of command ceremony at the PA headquarters in Taguig City on Tuesday.

He also said he would increase the readiness of units, personnel, training, equipment, and maintenance with the goal of quick deployment.

“We shall aim for quick deployment with readily available troop requirements,” Faustino said, adding that more focus would be given to the continuous improvement of the morale and welfare of all personnel through holistic career and personal advancement programs.

Aside from this, he pledged “proactive anticipation of future operational, administrative, and resource requirements as we advance into operating on digital modes” under the new normal.

This, he said, includes enhancing PA personnel’s competency in cybersecurity. (PNA)