There were a lot of questions that perplex my mind when I first joined the ROTC here in De La Salle University Manila- De La Salle College of Saint Benilde. Would I enjoy this? Would I be able to find friends that coincide with my ideas? What knowledge would I able to get here apart from handling guns and marching? Did I make the right choice? And so on. Before, I always thought that ROTC would only teach me to be hostile. However, that thinking made me realized that it was perfect example of stereotyping. And this how it all started…

During my first two training days in ROTC, I decided to join the toughest branch of ALL ITS "BRAHNCHES" which according to some students, only few would survive. This was the training for the aspiring ROTC officers known as the COCC. Well, the reason why I joined this branch was the scholarship grant offered for those who would last. However, I was not able to make it- not because of its physically tough training  but of the reports needed to do everyday made me realized that I am truly not meant for this. Therefore, I chose to transfer to other battalion. Luckily, I finally found my people, the Model Battalion. There, I was able to meet 400++ people with different ideologies in life. There, I was able to make new buddies that I could be with for my entire year of stay here in DLSU.  

Under the training of C/MAJ Justin Ray B. Santos 2CL and C/1LT Daniel Mari T. Galang 3CL in Model Battalion, our focused was not only on doing hardcore training, stubby marching and dry firing; instead, there were moments that they taught us to associate with our fellow batch mates… and to have fun! Awesome officers I might say. All the time, we never felt that we were not a one big family. They were very harsh but not SO VERY. They only got so mad at our battalion whenever we were not doing our part or to do the things we were told to do so.   

At our last training day in Sangley Point, Cavite, what we did was our final exam, the REAL firing. Honestly at first, I got doubts whether I would be able to shoot at least one or not. But with the help of the navy officer who assisted me, I was able to get a good grade.  There also, I learned some military tactics that could help me in the near future. And to end up, the best part of our trip was the boodle fight where all of us ate our foods using only our bare hands. It was fun… really fun. This was an experience that would not be forgotten for the rest of our lives.     

For the past 11 training days, 66 hours in 1 term, there was one thing for sure that I wouldn't be able to deny, and that was the sudden changes ROTC brought to me. By becoming part of this huge amazing family here in DLSU-CSB, where the ideas of both men and women coincide, I realized that I became more disciplined with my actions and more cooperative with my fellows. With ROTC, I learned to appreciate having a 3”x 4” white side wall haircut. Now, waking up 5:30 a.m. seemed to be late already. I learned to manage my time and be responsible with my things as well. Hmmmm... better me… a better Carlo Antonio B. Jao.

To end up, I may say that my ROTC MS-1 experience was truly exceptional. Through choosing this as my NSTP, I was able to meet my new family. A family that I could TRULY rely on! And because of that, I got the guts to say that in ROTC... it is more fun in DLSU! J ANIMO La Salle!!

* FREE WRITING!

at SANGLEY POINT, CAVITE....