Niël Terblanché
The Namibian Defence Force’s (NDF) Command and Staff College has reinforced its reputation as the country’s premier military training institution, contributing significantly to national security and fostering regional stability and cooperation.
On Friday, 30 senior military officers graduated from the Senior Command and Staff Course 04/2024, which focused on military leadership and strategic preparedness. The event highlighted the institution’s commitment to equipping security personnel with skills to address evolving security challenges.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Namibia’s President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, Dr Nangolo Mbumba, commended the graduates, describing their achievement as a milestone in national security and development.
“Warfare is always changing, always evolving, and never constant. Therefore, to maintain vigilance and preparedness, our brave men and women must keep up with changing practices, warfare, and the world at large,” he said.
He also commended the defence ministry for implementing this vision and ensuring the college produces highly skilled officers.
The Namibia Command and Staff College, established in 2019, has become a cornerstone of military training.
Mbumba acknowledged the vision set during the institution’s inception by the late President Hage Geingob, who stressed the need for the military to adapt to the changing dynamics of warfare and global security
The graduates, drawn from Namibia’s Defence Force, Police, Correctional Services, and Central Intelligence Service, demonstrate how training can create collaboration across the country’s security agencies.
This year’s course also featured international participants from Kenya and Zambia, highlighting the college’s growing regional stature.
“The participation of senior officers from other countries consolidates the rich history and long-standing bilateral relationships between our sister nations and enhances regional and international cooperation,” Mbumba said.
The curriculum of the Senior Command and Staff Course is broad-based, blending theoretical and practical training to prepare officers for the complexities of modern security challenges.
Topics ranged from military strategy and joint warfare planning to inter-agency operations, peace support missions, and multinational capabilities.
President Mbumba praised the curriculum’s comprehensiveness.
“Modern conflicts do not only require physical strength but intellect and strategic thinking as well. Commanders must be critical thinkers, rational decision-makers, and adept at navigating the complexities of military, economic, and diplomatic contexts,” he said.
He mentioned that the course was enriched by contributions from various stakeholders, including the United Nations, the African Union, and local academic institutions.
Mbumba said that Namibia’s full participation in the SADC Combined Joint African Exercise hosted by South Africa added practical depth to the officers’ training.
“These partnerships are vital for building capacity and ensuring Namibia fulfils its international obligations,” he said.
He also urged the graduates to carry forward the lessons learned at the college.
“You are expected to be agents of change upon assumption of your duties,” he said.
The President stressed the importance of discipline, professionalism, and exemplary conduct, which he described as the foundation of any military setup.
“Our citizens should take pride in the security forces, not only for their role in maintaining security but also as enablers of justice, peace, and prosperity,” he added.
He said that the role of a well-trained and disciplined defence force remains critical while the country builds towards its national development goals.
“The development of our military capacity is crucial for improving operational efficiency and achieving high-level national objectives,” he said.
Mbumba expressed appreciation for Namibia’s uniformed men and women and added that he has confidence that the graduates would serve as torchbearers for excellence in their respective fields.
“We thank you for your continued patriotism, loyalty, and commitment to the Republic of Namibia,” he said. Declaring the course officially completed,” he said.
