PH Army private makes history as first female Scout Ranger trainer

A Philippine Army private made history as the first female soldier to hurdle the Physical Training Trainer Course (PTTC) offered by the First Scout Ranger School at Camp Tecson in Bulacan, a ranking official said.

In a statement Saturday, Philippine Army (PA) spokesman Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Private Amaleth Joyce Caoyong, who now wears the Physical Trainers Badge, has become a qualified trainer knowledgeable in crafting a physical program and facilitating military obstacles apparatus, military exercises and physical fitness tests for the Army's elite unit.

At the joint closing ceremony on July 22, 2022, Caoyong said that her "strong faith" carried her through the difficulties.

"Noong una kinabahan ako. Kailangan kong abutin ang standard ng course which is 'yung program of instruction for male. Ginamit kong motivation 'yun para malampasan lahat ng requirements ng course (At first I was nervous. I have to reach the standard of the course which is the program of instruction for male. I used that motivation to overcome all the requirements of the course)," said Caoyong, the lone female member of the 71-strong PTCC Class 35-2022.

Caoyong and her classmates graduated alongside 61 other soldiers who hurdled the Combat Tracking Course also offered by the training school of the elite Army unit.

Trinidad said the Army is a people-centric organization that puts an emphasis on gender equality.

Its female personnel have received equal opportunities in the organization consistent with the requisites of military service.

The Scout Rangers, known officially as the First Scout Ranger Regiment, is the state army's unit specializing in anti-guerrilla jungle warfare, raids, ambushes, close quarters combat, urban warfare and sabotage.

Source: TheManila Times