WALVIS BAY: President Hage Geingob has emphasised the importance of professionalism as a core contribution to the foundation of modern conventional militaries.
Geingob in his speech delivered on his behalf during the graduation of the first intake of the Professional Qualified Officers’ Course (PQOC) in Walvis Bay on Wednesday, called on members of the force to display the conduct and qualities which best represent the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) and the Namibian nation, as a whole.
“As your Commander-In-Chief, I do not want to hear or read about soldiers acting out of character or endangering the citizens of this country. At all times you, and those officers under you, are expected to exhibit exemplary behaviour, while interacting with your peers, superiors and the community. I expect you to carry out your duties with tact, respect and discipline,” the Head of State instructed.
He further called on members of the force to at all times, exude the confidence and qualities that are connected with trained and skilled people. Professionalism in the military is important because it requires soldiers to obtain the skills and knowledge that will allow them to affectively carry out assigned roles, Geingob said.
The course, the first of its kind for NDF started on 17 April 2023 and took place at the Rooikop Military Base in Walvis Bay over the course of 29 weeks.
The latest intake of 91 professionals consisted of members from the Navy, Air Force, Special Forces and Defence Force as a whole.
The training entailed the training of Officer Cadets transitioning into a Commissioned Officer who then becomes a leader of other soldiers.
One of the graduate Flight Officers Nicolette Mogotsi from the Air Force who spoke on behalf of the rest of the graduates, expressed that although the training had its challenges, they were introduced to basic soldier skills and marksmanship, skills and trust services.
“Let us all see the responsibility of leading our country towards a path of peace and unity. We are grateful to the course instructors for their dedication, enthusiasm and tireless efforts, the huge sacrifices you have put into shaping and making sure the stream does not go unnoticed,” she expressed.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency