Military Aptitude & Current Defence Affairs - Cheat sheet
Your last-minute revision companion for Military Aptitude reasoning and Philippine Defense current affairs.
Military Aptitude Question Types
Formulas
Arithmetic Sequence: an = a1 + (n-1)d
Meaning
an = nth term, a1 = first term, d = common difference
Watch out
Check if differences form their own pattern (second-order differences)
When to use
Number series with constant difference between consecutive terms
Geometric Sequence: an = a1 × r^(n-1)
Meaning
an = nth term, a1 = first term, r = common ratio
Watch out
Don't confuse with arithmetic - look for multiplication, not addition
When to use
Number series where each term is multiplied by same value
Important facts
- Number series often have second-order differences (differences between differences)
- Letter series use alphabet positions (A=1, B=2, etc.)
- Spatial questions test mental rotation and 3D visualization
- Logic puzzles require systematic elimination of possibilities
- Time management: 1 minute per aptitude item maximum
Key definitions
Spatial Visualization
Example
Rotating cubes, folding nets, mirror images
Mental ability to manipulate 2D and 3D objects in your mind
Pattern Recognition
Example
A, C, F, J, O follows +2, +3, +4, +5 pattern
Identifying underlying rules in sequences or arrangements
Analogies
Example
Captain : Company :: Major : Battalion
Relationships between pairs that follow same logical connection
Diagrams to know
- Cube counting in 3D stacks
- Net folding patterns
- Mirror image reflections
West Philippine Sea (WPS) Issues
Important facts
- Pag-asa Island reinforcement ongoing
- Joint patrols with US, Japan, Australia
- Philippine Coast Guard frontline role
- Scarborough Shoal incident (2012)
- Reed Bank gas reserves exploration
Key definitions
2016 Arbitration Ruling
Example
Declared China's nine-dash line has no legal basis
Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of Philippines vs China
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Example
Reed Bank, Recto Bank within Philippine EEZ
200 nautical miles from baseline where state has sovereign rights
UNCLOS
Example
Basis for arbitration case against China
UN Convention on Law of the Sea - international maritime law
Diagrams to know
- WPS territorial features map
- EEZ boundaries diagram
Mindanao Security
Important facts
- Marawi siege (2017) - ISIS-affiliated groups
- Decommissioning of MILF combatants ongoing
- Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (2014)
- NTF-ELCAC coordinates counter-insurgency
- Martial Law in Mindanao (2017-2019)
Key definitions
BARMM
Example
Replaced ARMM, greater autonomy for Muslim areas
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (2019)
MILF
Example
Peace agreement led to BARMM creation
Moro Islamic Liberation Front - largest Muslim rebel group
Abu Sayyaf
Example
Ongoing military operations in Jolo, Basilan
Terrorist group in Sulu, known for kidnapping and bombings
Diagrams to know
- BARMM territorial coverage
- Major conflict areas map
AFP Modernization & Equipment
Important facts
- Horizon 3 of AFP Modernization (2024-2028)
- Multi-role fighters planned acquisition
- Attack helicopters: AW-109, MD-530G
- Naval assets: frigates, corvettes, patrol vessels
- Cyber warfare capabilities development
Key definitions
RA 7898
Example
Framework for military equipment acquisition
AFP Modernization Act of 1995, amended multiple times
FA-50
Example
12 units delivered, light attack capability
Korean-made fighter jets acquired by Philippine Air Force
Jose Rizal-class
Example
BRP Jose Rizal, BRP Antonio Luna
Modern frigates acquired from South Korea
Diagrams to know
- AFP modernization timeline
- Major equipment categories
Key Defense Agreements
Important facts
- EDCA covers 9 agreed locations
- Balikatan annual US-PH military exercise
- Kamandag trilateral exercise (US-PH-Japan)
- Australia also has status of forces agreement
- South Korea defense cooperation growing
Key definitions
MDT (1951)
Example
Attack on one triggers consultation and possible defense
Mutual Defense Treaty with US - mutual defense commitment
VFA (1998)
Example
Status of forces, legal jurisdiction issues
Visiting Forces Agreement - governs US military personnel entry
EDCA (2014)
Example
Agreed locations for US equipment and training
Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement - US access to PH bases
RAA (2024)
Example
Similar framework to VFA but with Japan
Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan - defense cooperation
Diagrams to know
- Alliance network diagram
- Major exercises timeline
AFP Organization
Important facts
- Three major services: Army (PA), Navy (PN), Air Force (PAF)
- WESCOM covers Palawan and WPS
- EASTMINCOM and WESTMINCOM cover Mindanao
- AFP Reserve Command for reservists
- AFP Cyber Group for cyber operations
Key definitions
GHQ AFP
Example
Top command structure, Chief of Staff leads
General Headquarters Armed Forces of the Philippines
Unified Commands
Example
NOLCOM, SOLCOM, WESCOM, CENTCOM, etc.
Geographic command structure covering different regions
Diagrams to know
- AFP organizational structure
- Unified commands geographic coverage
Must remember
- 2016 Arbitration Ruling favored Philippines over China in WPS
- BARMM established 2019, replaced ARMM
- MDT (1951), VFA (1998), EDCA (2014) - key US agreements
- Number series: check for second-order differences
- FA-50 fighter jets and Jose Rizal-class frigates - major acquisitions
- Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, MILF peace process ongoing
- WESCOM covers Palawan and WPS operations
- Spatial visualization requires mental rotation practice
- Time management: 1 minute per aptitude item maximum
- Current AFP Chief of Staff and recent defense developments
Last minute tips
- For number series, always check if differences form their own pattern
- In spatial questions, sketch if allowed - don't rely only on mental visualization
- Read defense news daily - PMAEE includes very current events (within 6 months)
- Practice analogies by identifying the relationship type first (part-whole, cause-effect, etc.)
- Know the difference between EEZ (200 nautical miles) and territorial sea (12 nautical miles)
Comparison tables
Major Aptitude Question Types
| Type | Pattern | Strategy | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number Series | Arithmetic/Geometric progression | Find common difference/ratio | 30-45 seconds |
| Spatial Visualization | 3D object manipulation | Mental rotation practice | 60-90 seconds |
| Logic Puzzles | Systematic deduction | Elimination method | 90-120 seconds |
| Analogies | Relationship matching | Identify connection type | 30-45 seconds |
Key Defense Agreements
| Agreement | Year | Partner | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| MDT | 1951 | United States | Mutual defense commitment |
| VFA | 1998 | United States | Status of visiting forces |
| EDCA | 2014 | United States | Base access and cooperation |
| RAA | 2024 | Japan | Defense cooperation framework |
Diagrams
Military Aptitude Question Types Overview
Comprehensive overview of all major aptitude question categories tested in PMAEE
WPS Conflict Resolution Process
Timeline and process of WPS dispute resolution attempts and current status
Major Philippine Defense Milestones
Chronological overview of major defense-related events and agreements in Philippine history