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Approximately 130 applicants showed up on day 1, and at the end, only 89 passed out today. Here's what the new commander had to say about these soldiers who now join the rank and file of the BDF:

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega - New Commander of The BDF
"Recruit training is the basic introduction into the military. As the minister mentioned in his speech. This is the start of training for them. So there is always continuous training afterwards. Recruit training is where we convert the civilian into the military person. It's difficult in the beginning. He mentioned how many was there previously and how much we're left with, only 89. It takes quite a bit of discipline, especially in the terms of physical demanding and the mental portion of it. You have to do all the physical work, you're up early, you go to sleep late plus you have all the medical classes, skill of terms which is weapon handling, map reading, and all the various types of classes that you have to do such as signals etc."

Ashley Williams, Recruit - BDF
"It is quite an experience because when we are at camp, we do a lot of exercises. When we are here now, we just execute what we learn."

Crystal Carcamo, Recruit - BDF
"When we first started we had 14 females and now it's only 7 of us. So to the strongest of them, if you think you can handle it, you should probably join because it makes you more independent."

Evin Castillo, Recruit - BDF
"It's been fun, some painful but very fun learning new stuff. The first time I ate a rattle snake, it's very interesting and adventurous."

Brig. Gen. Steven Ortega
"Immediately upon passing out from recruit training, they are now fully trained soldiers as most soldiers are out here. Some have special skills but they are now qualified to go out to all the CP's, the OP's to do patrols along with other senior members."

And, to celebrate its 40th birthday, the BDF will tomorrow host its annual BDF day celebration.