(Photo courtesy of Philippine Army) MANILA - The Philippine Army (PA) on Tuesday said around 400 aspiring reservists have completed a two-day combat readiness training at the National Capital Region Regional Community Defense Group (NCRRCDG) headquarters in Fort Bonifacio. The training camp took place last Sept. 17 to 18, PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement. "The aspiring reservists, who belong to Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT) Class 02-2022, participated in practical exercises on field stripping of M-14 and M-16 rifles and caliber. 45 pistols. They also underwent a rigorous physical fitness routine which includes rounds of Army Dozen, road runs, knot-tying, rappelling, and map-reading exercises," he added. Trinidad said the PA is beefing up its reserve units that will serve as the expansion base for the regular force in times of national emergencies, war, rebellion, or invasion. Army reservists play a crucial role in saving lives during calamities such as onslaughts of typhoons and volcanic eruptions across the country. (PNA) }