As Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. retires on Tuesday, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said his successor should be a capable strategist and manager rather than someone who is simply 'brave.'

Speaking on Monday, July 20, Teodoro emphasized that leading the military requires effective planning, execution, and leadership, especially as the AFP continues to strengthen its external defense posture and alliances, in a Magandang Umaga Pilipinas (MUP) report of RH Edniel Parrosa.

“Walang... hindi dinadaan sa tapang 'yan. Nasa project management 'yan at saka execution ng mga plano,” Teodoro said.

Teodoro further described Brawner as an effective military leader, citing his strengths in planning, executing operations, fostering partnerships with allied forces, and shifting the AFP's focus toward external defense while sustaining gains in internal security.

“So, ang engagement sa mga counterparts kasi alliance natin malaki. So, kailangan ang susunod na chief of staff magaling magpatakbo ng mga bagay-bagay,” he added.

The Defense chief said these qualities—not simply courage—should define the next AFP chief.

Brawner formally retires on Tuesday, July 21, under Republic Act No. 11939, which provides a fixed three-year term for the AFP chief. He is the first military chief to complete the full term under the law.

A change of command ceremony is scheduled at the Lapu-Lapu Grandstand in Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday afternoon and will be presided over by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Teodoro, however, declined to identify who would succeed Brawner, saying the appointment remains the prerogative of the President.

He also said he and Marcos would discuss the possibility of bringing Brawner back into government service after his retirement, but did not provide further details.