By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A “silent drill exhibition” was recently held at the University of St. La Salle (USLS) soccer field in Bacolod City, where 70 members of a Philippine Army officer candidate course performed before USLS officials, faculty, and students.
“The army wants to showcase the talents of the officer candidates to the people through the silent drill exhibition and promote [them] as the Philippine Army’s premier institution in producing commissioned officers,” explained Officer Candidate School commandant, Colonel Ariel Reyes.
A silent drill is a drill variant involving complex and precise marching and rifle sequences aimed to exemplify military unity, discipline, and professionalism.
“We want to bring the army closer to the people, particularly to the students,” said Philippine Army 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo. “Through this event, as the first silent drill exhibition performed [at] La Salle and even in Negros, I am really grateful that the students and teachers warmly accepted us.”
The officer candidates, who arrived at the Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division in Jamindan, Capiz last month, are currently undergoing on-the-job training in the Western Visayas./DGB, WDJ