Public Statement from GAF:
THE GAMBIA ARMED FORCES GRADUATES OVER 200 RECRUITS IN A COLOURFUL CEREMONY HELD AT THE FAJARA BARRACKS PARADE GROUND
The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) on Thursday 13th October 2022, held a passing out parade for GAF Recruit Intake 37 in a colourful ceremony held at the Fajara Barracks Parade Ground in Bakau. Intake 37 as rightly tagged, comprised of 226 personnel amongst them, 61 female and 4 Cadet Officers.
The ceremony was the culmination of the first recruitment exercise since the advent of the new political dispensation under the leadership of His Excellency the President of the Republic of The Gambia and Commander–In–Chief of the Armed Forces Mr. Adama Barrow (GMRG). The propitious event was honourably graced by His Excellency the Vice President of the Republic of the Gambia Hon. Badara A. Joof, the Speaker of the National Assembly Honourable Fabakary Tombong Jatta, the Minister of Defence Brigadier General (rtd) Honourable Sering Modou Njie, the Minster of Higher Education Research and Technology Honourable Pierre Gomez, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Gambia Armed Forces Lieutenant General Yakuba A. Drammeh, Security Service Chiefs, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Senior Cadre of the GAF, Government Officials and a host of other dignitaries including families passing out recruits, friends and well-wishers.
In delivering the keynote address, His Excellency the Vice President of the Republic of the Gambia Badara A. Joof on behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic of The Gambia and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces Mr. Adama Barrow seized the great moment to register hearty congratulation to the newly passed out recruits for successfully completing the recruitment training. The Vice President commended the Minister of Defence, the CDS, Service Chiefs, and the personnel of GAF for their selfless efforts towards nation-building. H.E Badara Joof went on to highlight the various achievements of the Gambia Armed Forces in numerous critical areas. One amongst which he noted was GAF’s intervention in assisting flood victims during the August flash floods in Banjul.
Honourable Joof further noted that it requires dedication, commitment, and sacrifice in order to tackle the tasks ahead. Thus, he enjoined the newly passed-out recruits to be dedicated and committed to duty. He went on to add that discipline is the bedrock of the military and therefore urged them to exhibit a high sense of discipline at all times. He stressed his government’s commitment and support in making sure that GAF meets its needs and standards in line with international best practices. Thus, he indicated that His Excellency President Barrow has directed the Ministry of Defence to work with the Ministry of Justice to review the Gambia Armed Forces Act (GAFA) and the Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) in order for them to meet realities on the ground in line with international best practices.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Yakuba A. Drammeh applauded the new recruits for the successful completion of the Recruitment Training Program. “The completion of this program is an achievement which needs to be acknowledged and appreciated” CDS Darmmeh posited. General Drammeh further emphasized the significance of recruitment training as it sets the basis in the profession of arms. The CDS noted that the recruitment process was strictly based on merit, without fear or favour in the selection process and it was deliberately designed to reflect our national character and indeed the cohort of Intake 37 is a reflection of our national character. The highly experienced General, therefore, thanked the board tasked with the responsibility of the selection of this cohort of fine young men and women. In the same vein, he extended thanks and appreciation to the Commandant and his team of able instructors for a job well done. The Chief of Defence Staff concluded by registering gratitude to the Commander-In-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces, Government Officials, Officers of GAF, and Supporting Partners for their immense contributions toward the success of the training. He urged the newly passed-out recruits to be committed, dedicated, disciplined, and loyal noting those who served before them served with distinction.
Awards were given to a number of deserving recruits who manifested a high sense of commitment, discipline, determination, and skillfulness throughout the course of their entire training.
The colorful event ended with the display of Military skills in the form of Marshal Arts, skills under pressure, Sentry Drills, and Section Battle Drills amongst a host of others. The apex of the showcase of skills learnt was an entertainment of the gathering to a Tug-of-war between the instructors and the recruits.
Source: GAF
