PMA graduates future coupistas?

The PMA Mandala Class of 2006 had an auspicious start to their military careers. Amid efforts to recruit them to the cause of the Oakwood Mutineers, they were apparently also subject to brainwashing from the government side.

President Arroyo herself resorted to doublespeak in her speech before the graduating cadets. She lauded the cadet's efforts to resist the recruitment and reminded them (along with the top brass of the AFP present) that the military should never engage in partisan politics. But in the same breath she asked for their support in the ongoing campaign to change the charter.

That the Mandala boys and girls' predicament reflects the bigger identity crisis of the military is not surprising. After the series of Edsas, the soldiers are confused about the very essence of their existence. While it is true that the real and traditional enemies wear red or bandy about in the hinterlands and beaches of the Muslim south, there is confusion when political foes are simply branded enemies of the state.

Contrary to popular opinion, our fledgling soldiers have access to the news and the internet. At least that's the official line of the PMA officials who run the academy in Baguio City. Well aware of the political crisis at hand, they have also galvanized their opinion like any other citizen in thei country.

But understandably, no one (at least not at the start of their careers) would dare speak ill of the president. The class baron 2nd lt. Obias said he would keep his opinions to himself. Which ofcourse is not to say he has undying devotion to the president but nevertheless indicates an effort to toe the official pro-government line.

The son of former AFP Chief Ernesto Carolina, was more courageous and told me his loyalties lie with the constitution and not in one person alone. Which is likewise just as vague but hints at the possibilities of ditching the president through constitutional means. And then there were a cacophony of voices saying they would only follow legal orders.

Not surprisingly many of the cadets say they support the Oakwood cause and the recent hiccup at the Philippine Marines. One cadet confessed that at this stage, you either have sympathy for the rebel soldiers or you dont. He says most of them do.