Niël Terblanché
OVER 1000 new Namibian Defence Force (NDF) recruits celebrated their graduation at a spectacular parade at Oshona Base near Okahandja.
Speaking at the pass out parade, Defence Minister, Frans Kapofi said the journey of the 1 264 recruits, which began in November last year, took the recruits through a difficult nine months of hard training.
“The training was very difficult, and I believe some of you considered quitting at some point, but you persevered, and thus you line up here today, tall and proud,” he remarked.
According to Kapofi, the training was divided into three phases that were designed to further equip the fledgling soldiers with military knowledge and skills.
“Phase one and two consisted of Basic Military Training while Phase three entailed specialising in various fields. Many of you will be deployed to various Services, Formations and Units away from friends and families. In this regard, you are expected to carry out your duties professionally, diligently and with discipline. Discipline is the anchor of any defence force and as you might have realised during the course of your training, it is very much enforced,” he said.
Kapofi urged the soldiers to be highly disciplined and follow the orders of their commanders because that is what is needed from the country’s first and last line of defence.
“Your training was designed to make sure that you would meet these high ethics, hence it was tough.
In completing your training, you have proven that you are ready for the responsibilities that lay ahead,” he told the graduates.
The minister expressed appreciation for the high number of female recruits who completed the training and complimented the soldiers on their resilience.
“This is yet again proof that our female colleagues are just as good and resilient as their male counterparts. Well done to you all,” he said.
He informed the soldiers that the passing out parade signifies the end of one chapter of their careers and that the next chapter will entail keeping Namibia safe, secure and peaceful.
“Take note that the career you have chosen is not an easy one. To make the most of your ability, and to defend the nation you will have to continuously improve your skills so as to perform your duties effectively and efficiently.
Your success will depend on your discipline, integrity, patriotism and loyalty to your country,” he said.
According to Kapofi training in the defence force is an ongoing programme, and the new graduates will be exposed to many new fields of military science as determined by the Chief of the Defence Force.
“Be reminded that past graduates of this Establishment continue to maintain high standards of professionalism wherever they have been posted in the various missions we have undertaken, whether in Namibia or United Nations, African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The professional conduct and trust bestowed on our troops serving outside our country is a true testimony of the value of our excellent military training,” he said.
He urged the new graduates to carry on with professionalism and high spirit in the defence of the Republic of Namibia.
