Rédaction Africa Links 24 with nation.sc
Published on 2024-03-03 15:09:11
The Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) recently welcomed 26 new recruits into its ranks after they successfully completed six weeks of basic military training at the SDF military training centre in Barbarons. The recruits took their Oath of Allegiance in a ceremony held at the Defence Forces Academy base at the Seychelles Coast Guard, Ile Perseverance. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials of the SDF, including the chief of the Armed Forces and the chief of staff, as well as family members of the recruits.
During the ceremony, Brigadier Michael Rosette presented the recruits with their national flag patch and they read the credo for Seychellois soldiers. The new soldiers, comprising 14 men and 12 women, will not serve as combatants but will work in technical fields and administration, contributing to the development of the force and their own careers. Their basic training included sessions in weaponry, communication, administration, and organization planning.
The recruits, who started their training on January 19, 2024, are part of the SDF’s Special Support Cadre Programme, which aims to fill gaps in administration and technical fields by recruiting civilian professionals. Lieutenant Colonel Didace Hoareau, Commander of the Military Training and Support Centre, explained that the training for these recruits was less intensive and shorter compared to normal basic training for combatant recruits, which typically lasts 12 weeks.
The programme is designed to attract professionals aged 18 to 35 to fill in vacancies in non-combative fields within the SDF. However, the SDF may consider professionals above the age limit depending on their qualifications and the availability of vacancies. Lieutenant Colonel Hoareau emphasized that the working conditions for these recruits will differ from those of full military combatants, as they will not be involved in active combat operations.
In his address to the new soldiers, Brigadier Rosette welcomed them on behalf of President Wavel Ramkalawan and encouraged them to put into practice what they had learned during their training. He also urged officers and other ranks to guide the new soldiers as they integrate into the force. Private Adrian Cesar, speaking on behalf of his fellow recruits, expressed gratitude to all who had supported them in achieving their goal of serving their country.
The ceremony was blessed by SDF chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel Louis Agathine, and was documented by Patrick Joubert. The new soldiers will have the opportunity to undergo specialized training to further develop their careers within the SDF. As they embark on their roles in technical and administrative fields, they will continue to uphold military values and the code of conduct of the Seychelles Defence Forces.
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