Special Operations Command (Philippines)
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| Phil. Army Special Operations Command | |
|---|---|
| File:SOCOMPA.jpg Unit insignia of the PASOCOM | |
| Active | January 16, 1978 - Present |
| Country |  Philippines |
| Branch | Philippine Army |
| Type | Special Operations Forces |
| Role | Airborne operations, Direct Action, Reconnaissance, Unconventional Warfare |
| Size | 3 Regiments. Total is close to 15000 soldiers |
| Part of | Under the Philippine Army |
| Garrison/HQ | Fort Andres Bonifacio, Makati Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palanan City, Nueva Ecija (Main) |
| Nickname(s) | SOCOM, PASOCOM, Special Operations Forces |
| Mascot(s) | Arrow |
| Anniversaries | 16 January |
| Engagements | Operation Enduring Freedom - Philippines Anti-guerilla operations against the NPA and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front |
| Decorations | Presidential Streamer Award |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Major General Daniel Casabar AFP |
| Notable commanders | Gen. Dionisio Santiago AFP, Gen. Hermogenes Esperon AFP, MGen Victor Ibrado AFP |
| Insignia | |
| Unit Patch | SOCOM Patch/Tab |
The Special Operations Command in the Philippine Army is the single command responsible for maintaining the various special forces units in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
History
The Philippine Army's SOC traces its roots from the Army Special Warfare Brigade (ASWBde), which was organized on 16 January 1978 with then colonel David R Abundo JR as its first commander. The brigade then consisted of the Home Defense Forces Group (HDFG)and the Combat Training Center as its major subordinate units.
The Headquarters of the ASWBde was initially set at the former site of the liaison offices (former Headquarters Battalion, PA area) in Fort Bonifacio. The HDFG and SOG were co-located at Fort Magsaysay while the First Scout Ranger Group (FSRG) remained at Camp Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal.
After its organizational phase, the ASWBde Headquarters was transferred to Fort Magsaysay while the vacated facility became the Special Warfare Brigade Admin Center.
Renowned for their special operations capabilities and effectiveness, the units of the First Scout Ranger Group and the Home Defense Forces Group (Airborne) were deployed all over the country to support the Infantry Divisions and the regional Unified Commands in the campaign against the communist insurgents, secessionist groups and other lawless elements. The escalation of the communist insurgency in the early 80’s necessitated the strengthening of the operational capabilities of the two Groups by activating additional companies.
Re-organization during the 1990s
Re-organization and re-assignment of Operational controls in various units of the AFP also affected the structure of the Special Operations Command. Currently the Scout Rangers were transferred to Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan while the Special Forces and SOCOM Headquarters stayed in Fort Magsaysay.
Sub-Commands
The Philippine Army Special Operations Command (PASOCOM) is further divided into (3) Sub-commands or Regimental Sized Units that function as both Quick Reaction and Unconventional Warfare Units as opposed to the Philippine Navy and Airforce's Special Operations Units having a singular or centralized type of unit focusing on special operations. The Modern Structure of SOCOM was established to be divided in Ranger, Special Forces, and Psy-Ops Operational Regiments, having the later one transferred its operational control to Civil Relations Group, PA and the Community Relations Service, AFP (CRS-AFP). Currently the PASOCOM is structured to 2 Regiments and Quick Reaction Batallion namely:
References
- The Philippine Army: First 100 Years - 1997
- History of the Armed Forces of the People
- The Operators - Mike Ryan
- Jane's: Special Forces Recognition Guide - Haper-Collins Publication 2004