PMA Admission
From thousands of applicants all over the country, a select group of freshman "plebe" cadets will report to the academy every April 1st. A typical profile will compose a big number of honor graduates and student leaders and a sizable number of which have also at least completed one year of college schooling. Cadets undergo a four year course and are required to finish 175 academic units where they can receive a bachelor's degree in three academic majors, either in computer science, general engineering or management.
Prior to 1993, PMA cadets did not have the luxury of choosing their branch of military service until their senior "firstie" year. Under the new tri-service curriculum where the PMA used to orient itself towards the needs of the Philippine Army, it now addresses the needs of the Navy and the Air Force as well. Cadets can now know which service to enter prior to the end of their sophomore "yearling" year They can then take specialized training courses like Marine radar / propulsion for future navy ensigns, aerodynamics / flight simulations for future air force lieutenants and the Army Infantry Weapons Effects Simulation System for future Army officers at the start of their third "cow" year.
The Tri-Service curriculum prepare graduates to be : fleet-ready or squadron-ready and not to mention 'combat ready' officers immediately upon graduation. Graduates of the Philippine Army curriculum focuses on the knowledge and skills of management of equipments and the leadership of it's men. The Philippine Air Force curriculum will benefit in the academic "ground school" portion prior to pilot training and the Philippine Navy curriculum will assign cadets aboard ship and assume initial billet post without the need of taking the Naval Officer's Qualification course.
Cadets in the academy that excell in both academics and physical training are also rendered the opportunity to enter the United States Military Academy in West Point, the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs and at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. More than a hundred PMA'yers (thirty or so alone to West Point), male and female have been sent to these institutions to this present day.
For more information on how to join the Philippine Military Academy visit the PMA Application page.
Why be a PMA Cadet?
- The rare privilege to serve the Country
- A well rounded education: Academics, Leadership, Teamwork, and Physical Fitness for FREE!!!
- Receive salary and allowances while studying
- Guaranteed job after graduation
- Progressive career as an officer in the Philippine ARMY, NAVY or AIRFORCE
