Aurora-based battalion tops 7ID rifle squad challenge

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija, March 13, 2013-Aurora-based 48th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army topped the Infantry Rifle Squad challenge organized by its mother unit, the 7th Infantry Division (7ID). 

The group, headed by Lt. Col. Wilmar Galicia, obtained a total score of 716.68 percent. 

Second placer was the 24th Infantry Battalion while Ilocos Norte-based 81st Infantry Battalion was third. 

“The challenge seeks to assess the collective competency and cohesiveness of our squads as a unit in any situation that arises,” said 7ID Commander Major General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. 

“The infantry rifle squad is the smallest unit of the army. They are called the cutting edge of the organization because they are the ones who are in the front line and execute the plan in the accomplishment of the mission,” Catapang added. 

The challenge was divided into three phases with the first one focusing on required individual readiness skills of members namely physical fitness, general knowledge, and information communications (Harris portable, radio), and weapons. 

Second phase centered on squad organization and formation, map reading and land navigation, and patrol-based operation. 

And lastly, third phase included marksmanship (endurance firing), battle drills, and casualty evacuation (first aid). (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)