At least 113 soldiers of the first Infantry Battalion of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) were recently elevated to various ranks in the army during a ceremony held at the said Battalion in Yundum, West Coast Region.

Attended by senior members of the armed and security services, the occasion witnessed the elevation of 78 military personnel from the rank of Private to Lance Corporal, 13 Lance Corporals to Corporal, seven Corporals to Sergeant, four Sergeants to Staff Sergeant, eight Staff Sergeants to Wo2, and three Wo2 to Wo1.

Speaking at the occasion, the chief of Army Staff, Brigadier General Lamin Bojang commended the president of the Republic and commander-in-chief of the GAF) His Excellency Sheikh Professor Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh for approving the promotion of the soldiers. While congratulating the newly promoted soldiers, Bojang urged them to remain steadfast and maintain the momentum.

He further enjoined them to work hard and redouble their efforts, while craving their indulgence to remain loyal toGAF.  Emphasising that promotions come with additional responsibilities and challenges, Brigadier General Bojang urged them to live up to expectations.

Also speaking at the occasion, the officer commanding the First Infantry Battalion, Lt. Colonel Ensa Tamba described the decoration as another milestone in the annals of the battalion, noting that the latest promotions doubled the previous ones. He also thanked his superiors for approving 95% of the list of nominees put forward for promotions. While pledging his Battalion’s commitment to endeavour to live up to the expectations, Lt. Col Tamba hailed the commander-in-chief for providing them with the enabling environment for the execution of their duties. He concluded by pledging their continued loyalty.

He also seized the opportunity to enjoin the newly promoted personnel to be awakened to the fact that promotions in GAF go with some degree of responsibility, thus urging them to work harder. Lt Col Tamba also used the opportunity to warn the personnel against involvement in drug peddling, harassment of the civilians, amongst other unethical behaviour, things he vowed will not be tolerated.

Speaking on behalf of the promoted soldiers, Corporal Yaya Colley described their elevation as a significant development in their career, while pledging their resolve to redouble their commitment towards the development of the army. Having benefited from this promotion, he stressed that the onus now lies on them to execute their duty with diligence without “fear or favour”.