History
The Philippine Army was built to defend the islands as they moved toward independence. It was organized with help from American military advisors who wanted to create a strong local defense force. Most of the men were young volunteers who were eager to protect their homes from foreign threats. Training was often short, but the soldiers showed great heart. When the war began, the army was quickly called into action. They served right next to the American troops during the defense of the islands. The soldiers had to deal with low supplies and very hard fighting conditions. Many were captured during the campaign, leading to great suffering for the men and their families. Despite these challenges, the army kept a strong reputation for being brave in battle. After the war ended, the army was rebuilt to serve as the main defense force for the independent country. It continues to protect the islands today. Its history is a symbol of the strength and resilience of the people who live in the Philippines.
