Unity and discipline are fundamental prerequisites for development. While unity serves as a vanguard against distrust, which is a recipe for impediment; discipline serves as a sealant against acrimony, which can also serve as an obstacle for development. By and large, the two (unity and discipline) are a precursor for development. In other words, the three are extensively correlated. Therefore, it is important that we adopt this as part of all our development effort, at all levels in the society.

Among the three, discipline stands out as a core value, as it has great bearing on the rest. Notably, it ensures the prevalence of tolerance, respect and understanding among a people. The latter is an underpinning factor for a unified society.

We are indeed touched by the fact that all these are central in the life of the military fraternity. We took it from the address by the Commanding Officer of the State Guards battalion, Lt Col SM Njie, to his men in arms, as they celebrated their end of year party. "It is important", he said, "that we come together as a family at a time like this, because the more we work as a team, the higher the achievement, and the more we find personal fulfillment in our work." That statement of the State Guard Commander stresses the need for collectivity.    

Indeed, personal fulfillment in life is largely connected to collective endeavors. With the current prevailing situation in our world, it is reassuring to note that unity is a key value in this fraternity.

A divided military is an ideal host for dangerous intruders, who will jump up to the slightest sign of division in an institution entrusted with something as sacrosanct as the security of a nation. When a group is divided, the people are easily set against each other, and the result is continuous confrontation. The weakness of such a society is easily exploited, and, in most cases, it is at the detriment of the entire nation, especially the ordinary citizens.

We needn't mention that a society preoccupied with setting confrontation within itself has no time for progressive undertakings. The fate of such a society is obviously predictable; nothing awaits it but doom.

They say that the attitude of the individual is a true reflection of the society. In this case, the society as a whole influences all key institutions within it, the military being no exception. Therefore, nurturing of these core values should start at the grassroots level; our homes, schools, mosques, and churches.