PMA Organization, Cadet Life & Career Progression - Cheat sheet
Your last-minute revision companion for mastering PMA structure, cadet life, and military career paths before the PMAEE exam.
PMA Basics & History
Important facts
- Founded 1936 under Commonwealth Act No. 1
- Located at Fort del Pilar, Baguio since 1950
- Co-educational since 1993, first female graduates 1997
- School colors: Maroon and gold with grey
- Total enrollment: 1,000-1,200 cadets across four years
Key definitions
PMA Mission
Example
Character, broad-based education, professional foundation
To instruct and train the CCAFP so each cadet possesses character, education, and professional foundation for military service
PMA Motto
Example
All cadets must embody these three values daily
Courage, Integrity, Loyalty - the three core values
CCAFP
Example
Organized as a brigade with two battalions
Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines - the student body
Diagrams to know
- PMA organizational chart from Superintendent down
- Timeline of PMA history from 1898 to present
PMA Organization Structure
Important facts
- Dean of Academics manages curriculum and faculty
- Faculty combines military and civilian instructors
- Cadet Corps organized as brigade with two battalions
- Each battalion has three companies
- TacOs are assigned to specific companies
Key definitions
Superintendent
Example
Brigadier General to Major General rank
General officer commanding PMA, reports to AFP Chief of Staff
Commandant of Cadets
Example
Manages entire cadet corps
Senior officer managing cadet discipline, training, and tactical affairs
Tactical Officers
Example
Typically Captains and Majors
Company-assigned officers who mentor and discipline cadets daily
Diagrams to know
- Chain of command from Superintendent to cadets
- Cadet Corps organizational structure
Cadet Class System
Important facts
- 4th class (plebes): strictest rules, heavy academics, basic training
- 3rd class: academic specialization, small leadership roles
- 2nd class: leadership responsibilities, summer branch training
- 1st class: full cadet corps leadership, branch selection, commissioning prep
Key definitions
Reverse Class Numbering
Example
1st class leads, 4th class follows strict rules
1st class = senior year, 4th class = freshman (plebe year)
Plebe Year
Example
Speak only when addressed, memorize Plebe's Bible
4th class year with strictest regulations and intensive orientation
Beast Barracks
Example
Reception week with shaving, fitting, orientation
Intense initial orientation period for new plebes
Diagrams to know
- Four-year progression chart with responsibilities
- Class hierarchy and leadership structure
Daily Routine & Life
Important facts
- 0500-0530: Reveille and PT
- 0600-0700: Breakfast formation
- 0700-1200: Academic classes
- 1200-1300: Lunch formation
- 1300-1600: Academic/military classes
- 1600-1800: Athletic period
- 1800-1900: Dinner formation
- 1900-2230: Study period
- Sundays partially relaxed with optional chapel
Key definitions
Reveille
Example
Start of daily routine with PT
0500-0530 wake-up call followed by physical training
Tattoo
Example
Prepare for lights out
2230 call to bed preparation
Taps
Example
All cadets must be in bed
2300 lights out, end of day
Diagrams to know
- Daily schedule timeline
- Weekly routine structure
Honor Code & Discipline
Important facts
- Honor code violations almost always result in dismissal
- Hazing is strictly prohibited following national reforms
- Discipline levels: demerits → restrictions → walking tours → dismissal
- Honor Committee made up of fellow cadets
- Zero tolerance for lying, cheating, stealing
Key definitions
Honor Code
Example
Enforced by Honor Committee of fellow cadets
A cadet does not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate among us those who do
Demerits
Example
Accumulation leads to restrictions
Points given for minor infractions like uniform or tardiness
Walking Tours
Example
Hours of marching in formation
Extended marching punishment for serious offenses
Diagrams to know
- Discipline escalation flowchart
- Honor code enforcement process
Academic Curriculum
Important facts
- Concentrations: Math, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, IT, Economics, Humanities
- All cadets take military science and tactical subjects
- Foreign language requirement (Mandarin, Spanish, French)
- Physical education and sports mandatory
- Capstone projects in senior year
- Heavy academic load especially in plebe year
Key definitions
Bachelor of Science Degree
Example
Mathematics, engineering, IT, economics, humanities
Four-year degree with multiple concentration options
Military Science
Example
Tactics, weapons, drill, ceremonies, military history
Required courses covering tactics, leadership, and military skills
Diagrams to know
- Curriculum structure by year
- Academic and military course integration
Physical Fitness Standards
Important facts
- Running: 3km and 5km timed standards
- Swimming proficiency required
- Strength: push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups
- Basic combatives: boxing, judo
- Marksmanship training and testing
- Daily PT mandatory for all cadets
- Athletic period 1600-1800 daily
Key definitions
Physical Fitness Test
Example
Running, swimming, strength, combatives, marksmanship
Annual evaluation determining cadet standing in multiple areas
Diagrams to know
- Physical fitness components chart
- Training progression by year
Branch Selection & Commissioning
Important facts
- Selection factors: class rank, preference, AFP needs
- Army branches: Infantry, Armor, Artillery, Engineer, Signal, Medical
- Navy: Surface Combat, Marine, Naval Aviation
- Air Force: Combat, Transport, Maintenance
- Commissioned as 2LT (Army/Air Force) or ENS (Navy)
- 2-year probationary period before regular commission
- Mandatory 5+ years active service obligation
Key definitions
Branch Selection
Example
Army, Navy, Air Force with various specializations
Senior year choice of service branch based on rank and AFP needs
Commissioning
Example
Bachelor's degree conferred, officer rank received
Graduation ceremony where cadets become Second Lieutenants or Ensigns
Diagrams to know
- AFP branch structure
- Officer rank progression chart
AFP Officer Ranks & Career Progression
Common values
Value
5+ years
Symbol
Active duty
Quantity
Service Obligation
Value
2 years
Symbol
Before regular commission
Quantity
Probationary Period
Important facts
- Promotion factors: time in grade, performance, schooling, command time
- Career schools: Officer Course, Command Staff Course, National Defense College
- Chief of Staff AFP typically four-star rank
- Notable alumni: President Ramos (PMA '50), General Romulo
- Career progression: platoon → company → battalion → brigade → division
Key definitions
Company Grade
Example
Platoon leader, company officer roles
2LT through Captain - junior officer positions
Field Grade
Example
Battalion command, staff positions
Major through Colonel - senior officer positions
Flag Officer
Example
Brigade, division, major command positions
General/Admiral ranks - senior leadership
Diagrams to know
- Complete AFP rank structure
- Career progression timeline
Must remember
- PMA Mission: Character, broad-based education, professional foundation for military service
- Honor Code: A cadet does not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate among us those who do
- Motto: Courage, Integrity, Loyalty
- Reverse class numbering: 1st class = senior, 4th class = plebe
- Founded 1936, co-ed since 1993, located Fort del Pilar Baguio since 1950
- Daily routine: 0500 reveille, 2300 taps, study period 1900-2230
- Commissioning: 2LT (Army/AF) or ENS (Navy) with 5+ year service obligation
- Three AFP branches: Army (land), Navy (sea), Air Force (air)
- Physical fitness: 3km/5km running, swimming, strength, combatives, marksmanship
- Hazing strictly prohibited, discipline through demerits-restrictions-walking tours
Last minute tips
- Remember the reverse numbering system - 1st class is SENIOR year, not freshman
- Honor code violations almost always mean dismissal - know the exact wording
- Taps (2300) vs Tattoo (2230) - taps is lights out, tattoo is preparation
- Branch selection depends on class rank AND AFP needs, not just preference
- PMA has been co-educational since 1993, with first female graduates in 1997
Comparison tables
Cadet Class Comparison
| Class | Year | Status | Main Focus | Leadership Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4th Class | Freshman | Plebe | Basic training/academics | None - follow orders |
| 3rd Class | Sophomore | Cadet | Academic specialization | Small squad roles |
| 2nd Class | Junior | Cadet | Leadership development | Section/squad leader |
| 1st Class | Senior | Cadet | Corps leadership | Company/battalion command |
AFP Branch Structure
| Service | Entry Rank | Specializations | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Army | 2LT | Infantry/Armor/Artillery/Engineer | Land operations |
| Navy | ENS | Surface/Marine/Aviation | Naval operations |
| Air Force | 2LT | Combat/Transport/Maintenance | Air operations |
Officer Grade Categories
| Category | Ranks | Typical Positions | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Grade | 2LT-CPT | Platoon/Company | 0-8 years |
| Field Grade | MAJ-COL | Battalion/Brigade | 8-20 years |
| Flag Officer | BG-GEN | Division/Corps | 20+ years |
Diagrams
PMA Organization Structure
Visual overview of PMA's hierarchical organization from leadership down to individual cadets
Cadet Four-Year Progression
Step-by-step progression through the four-year cadet experience from entry to commissioning
PMA Historical Timeline
Key milestones in PMA's development from colonial period to modern co-educational institution
AFP Career Progression Path
Typical career progression path for PMA graduates through AFP officer ranks