Niël Terblanché
The Namibia Command and Staff College in Okahandja marked a significant milestone as it celebrated the graduation of the 17th Junior Staff Course (JSC).
Hilma Nicanor graced the event at the end of last week, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, who had the honour of presenting the Military Science Diploma to 23 Namibian Defence Force Officers, including two graduates from the Zambia Defence Force.
The Junior Staff Course (JSC) is a flagship program of the college, meticulously designed to cultivate officers with essential leadership, management, and staff officer skills.
The comprehensive curriculum encompasses many subjects, including staff duties, command and control, leadership and management, military doctrine, intelligence, peace support operations, and low-intensity conflict operations, among others.
During her address, Nicanor stressed that this graduation should not be seen as a personal achievement alone, but rather as a pivotal step forward for the entire defence system.
She stressed the importance of building a capable and resilient force capable of addressing the challenges of the contemporary world.
“Training interventions like this are crucial for ensuring readiness to respond to security challenges at national, regional, and international levels,” she said.
Nicanor commended the graduates for their unwavering dedication, acknowledging that their hard work and countless sleepless nights had paid off by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary for command and staff functions.
She encouraged them to carry out their duties with enthusiasm, diligence, and improved performance.
The Deputy Minister pointed to the significance of discipline within the military profession, emphasizing its critical role in the success of the defence force.
“Discipline is instilled through training and exceptional leadership acumen,” she noted.
She also reminded the graduates of their legal responsibility to ensure the well-being and discipline of those under their command, as well as the proper management of the assets and resources entrusted for the defence of the nation.
Nicanor expressed her delight at including two allied students in the program, which she described as a step in the right direction.
She praised this arrangement for fostering a cross-pollination of ideas to promote regional integration and acknowledged the strong historical bond between Namibia and Zambia.
The Military Science Diploma, nationally recognized, offers graduates the opportunity to pursue further studies, including the Senior Command and Staff Course and various areas within Defence and Strategic studies at both local and international institutions.
The graduation of the 17th Junior Staff Course is a testament to Namibia’s commitment to enhancing its military leadership and capabilities, with an eye towards addressing contemporary security challenges effectively.
The ceremony marked a momentous occasion for the graduates, the Namibian Defence Force, and the strengthening of ties with Zambia.
