Africa-Press – Namibia. THE 1 451 Namibian Defence Force (NDF) recruits who are expected to report for training at Osona military base near Okahandja this month have been ordered to leave their cellphones at home.
This is because contact with the outside world may interfere with their training, they have been told. The recruits are expected to report from 17 to 21 October.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs on Tuesday, it was stated that the trainees are not allowed to bring their phones along to the military training base.
Ministry spokesperson colonel Petrus Shilumbu said the trainees are not allowed to communicate with the outside world as it may interfere with training instructions.
“This is not hostel life, but the transformation of civilians into the military. They are not the first to be trained without phones. All of us went through the same process. We need their full attention without disturbance from outside,” he said.
Shilumbu said other electronic devices, such as laptops or tablets, are not allowed either. “There is no need to bring along any electronic devices. It’s not luxury life, but the military. Current serving members, when they are on courses, their phones are not allowed in class or syndicate rooms.
Shilumbu said recruits’ family members may contact the military school if necessary. The recruits have also been requested to take along the latest certified copies of the ID cards of their beneficiaries.
Other requirements are that they should take along the latest certified copies and original documents of their educational qualifications, their own ID cards, birth certificates, and Covid-19 vaccination cards.
The ministry has asked those with no bank accounts to open one before reporting for training, and taking along bank confirmation letters. Candidates in possession of tax certificates have been advised to take them along.
A number of recruits will undergo 18 months’s training, and will be commissioned for the leadership position of officer cadet. The rest will be placed in non-commissioned positions.
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