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Philippines expands program to recruit coders and cybersecurity specialists
The new approach would let civilian professionals with technical skills join the military as commissioned officers without the usual officer training route.
SCMP Economy reports that the Philippines is moving to recruit more coders, engineers, and cybersecurity specialists into the Armed Forces as Manila says modern conflict increasingly depends on software, networks, and artificial intelligence.
According to the outlet, Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr ordered the AFP to expand a programme that allows civilian professionals with specialised skills such as scientists, engineers, doctors, and lawyers to become commissioned officers without going through the traditional officer training route.
The plan reflects Manila’s view that cyber, AI, and engineering capabilities are now part of modern warfare, as the country invests in more advanced weapon systems and seeks to defend its territory and maritime claims, according to analysts cited by SCMP Economy.
A defense analyst quoted by the outlet said militaries cannot focus only on land, air, and sea because cyberattacks can disrupt government databases and critical infrastructure, and the AFP says it needs officers with expertise in computer science, programming, and engineering.