GAF Intake 31

The Daily Observer (Banjul)

16 May 2011

editorial

We wish to congratulate the newly passed out Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) recruits for successfully completing a rigorous training to become part of the gallant men and women entrusted with the task of defending the territorial integrity of this nation. We hope that the new recruits adopt themselves to the core values of the military, execute their duties professionally, and above all conduct themselves in a disciplined manner as their commander-in-chief, His Excellency Sheik Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh advised during their passing out ceremony.

In the same vein we wish to re-echo the call by the president that the new army recruits should distance themselves from illicit drugs and ensure that they serve the country with a high sense of professionalism. This call is fundamental because considering the country’s zero tolerance for drugs and the huge investment made by the president to ensure that the armed forces becomes a professional and modernised institution, the conduct of our gallant men and women should therefore be geared towards complementing his efforts and not otherwise.

Just as the president himself reminded the recruits at the passing out ceremony, it is obvious that before 1994, the army was an isolated institution, as the condition of the soldiers particularly the junior ones was quite appalling. Today however, the story is the complete opposite, as the leadership has unquestionably elevated the country’s military to the highest standards. The salary structure of the army is now very respectable; soldiers can now afford for themselves compounds, vehicles and any other luxury that other high-earning employees can afford. The institution has also been intellectually equipped, as we now have university graduates in the army, including high-calibre engineers, doctors, technicians and experts in other disciplines.

The new intakes should therefore be proud of themselves and their commander-in-chief, and heed his call for them to be disciplined by putting behind them all acts that could in one way or the other tarnish the image of the noble military institution. They should also at all times remember that unity and discipline are fundamental prerequisites for development. They should also remain united and loyal to the state and the commander-in-chief, who has made GAF what it is today. Being loyal to the president is a way of reciprocating what he has over the years achieved for GAF in particular, and the country in general. Besides, a disloyal soldier or security personnel is simply an enemy of progress.

Once more we wish GAF intake 31 all the best in the service of the nation.

AllAfrica – All the Time