By: Nyima Sillah
The Gambia Armed Forces has promoted at least 2 soldiers from rank of Captain to Major and 20 other Soldiers from rank of Lieutenant to Captain. The decoration ceremony took place at the Officers Mess, Kotu.
Speaking at the ceremony, CDS Yankuba Drammeh said “promotion in the military is considered as one of the most important moment in the lives of services members and it is the recognition of hard work, dedication to duty, discipline high sense of responsibility, diligence and integrity.”
He noted among other things that officers should take responsibilities rather than languishing delegate base to their subordinates. He said what makes a good officer is to stand up to challenges and be seeing as the epitome of excellence as an officer.
“You will be challenged constantly to make sure that those ranks given to you deserve the biggest praises and recommendation. As an officer if you do not have integrity then your credibility is on question mark meaning you are not feet to serve as an officer,” he said.
According to him Promotions in armed forces depend on when there is vacancies. “We should cultivate and sustain the healthy relationship without brothers and sisters out of uniform. We are civilians in uniform, eventually either by design or circumstances we have to cash down the uniform and want to reinstall yourself in the wider community. How do you want to be remembered and what kind of legacy you will leave behind.”
Minister of Defense, Sheikh Omar Faye stated that “soldier should be an embodiment of security comfort and not a symbol of taro. Always remember that the foundation in which military is built is based on loyalty dedication, patriotism tolerance and obedience to lawful command.”
He said the promoted soldiers are expected to discharge their duties with diligence and respect putting the interest of leadership and nation at first all time.
“Since learning is a contuse process, my advice to you as young officers that you explore all available changes in other to acquire the necessary military knowledge and skills by research to understand the military norms and value.”
He therefore assured them of his office readiness to do everything possible to create an enabling environment for the appropriate trainings in the armed forces.