The Namibian Defence Force (NDF) yesterday warned against indiscipline, alcohol abuse and drug use as 1 703 new recruits graduated at Osona after completing the year-long military training programme.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Chief of the Defence Force Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas told the recruits that joining the military was not about earning salaries but about sacrifice, patriotism and defending Namibia at all costs.
The graduation ceremony was attended by senior military officers, government officials, parents and invited guests. Pinehas further told the recruits they are expected to defend Namibia with discipline, courage and patriotism.
“You are no longer just individuals chasing personal goals. From now on, defending Namibia’s sovereignty, land, peace, security and national interests is your sacred duty,” Pinehas said. He added that the profession of arms demands sacrifice and loyalty to the Constitution and the people of Namibia.
“This is not just a career; it is a calling. Your life may be the price of our nation’s security, peace and stability,” he said.
The defence chief further urged the recruits to maintain high standards of discipline and professionalism throughout their military careers.
He warned them against behaviour that could damage the image of the defence force.
“The Namibian people expect to see professionalism, discipline, integrity and total dedication to duty in you. You are now guardians of our peace and stability,” he said.
Special advisor to the minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hilma Nicanor, delivered a speech on behalf of defence minister Frans Kapofi, who was unable to attend due to Cabinet commitments.
Nicanor congratulated the recruits for successfully completing the demanding military training programme. She said the training had transformed them from ordinary civilians into soldiers equipped with military knowledge and skills.
“During the past year, you were taken through rigorous training to make you soldiers. You have emerged with military skills and are now prepared to defend our country’s territorial integrity and interests,” she said.
She revealed that 64 recruits did not complete the training for various reasons, including misconduct and failure to meet training requirements.
Nicanor strongly warned the graduates against indiscipline, alcohol abuse and drug use, saying the defence force has zero tolerance for misconduct.
“Discipline is not negotiable. Without discipline, even strength becomes powerless,” she said while quoting Chinese military general Sun Tzu.
She cautioned the recruits that misbehaviour outside military bases would not only affect them personally but would also damage the reputation of the NDF.
“When you misbehave out there, people will no longer refer to you by your name. They will say that is a member of the Namibian Defence Force,” she said.
She then encouraged the graduates to make use of opportunities available in the defence force, including further studies and specialised training in fields such as aviation, engineering, medicine, and law.
The advisor further said the NDF is modernising and now requires young people who understand technology because modern warfare increasingly relies on drones and advanced systems.
Parents and family members who attended the ceremony were thanked for supporting the recruits during their year of training. The graduates will be deployed to different parts of the country to begin their duties.