Major General Lang Tombong Tamba, the chief of defence staff of The Gambia Armed Forces yesterday decorated 58 GAF junior officers to various ranks in accordance with Section 190 of the Constitution of The Gambia.

22 officers were promoted to captain, 43 to lieutenant and 14 to second lieutenant, which is the largest promotions in the history of the Gambia Armed Forces.

Soon after the decoration ceremony, CDS Tamba told the newly promoted officiers that their promotion as well as the promotion of the non-commissioned officers is the largest in the history of The Gambia Armed Forces. According to CDS Tamba the elevation of the officers clearly manifests the importance President Jammeh, who is also the Commander-In-Chief of The Gambia Armed Forces, and his government attaches to The Gambia Armed Forces.

According to him the decoration will subject the promoted officers to serious challenges and dedication to duty. He reminded promoted officers of selfless service, dedication to duty and unflinching loyalty as one of the fundamental attributes of an officer.

He said "the foundation upon which any strong military is built, is based on loyalty, dedication and obedience to lawful commands. Therefore, the progress of any officer is thus, dependent on his or her output, dedication and loyalty" he said and quickly reminded them that "From those to whom much is given, much is expected".

Commission officers

To the new commissioned officers, Major General Tamba urged them to discharge their duties with diligence and respect and put the nation first at all times, as well as the welfare of the troops they command. He further advised them to always bear in mind that their military careers have now been transformed from non-commissioned to officers corps. He also advised them to change their behaviours, their way of thinking, physically, spiritually and socially, in order to gain the decent attribute of a lady/gentleman officer.

Honourable Fatoumatta Jahumpa-Ceesay, the Speaker of the National Asembly, Secretaries of State, the head of the Pakistan military team, the deputy CDS, families and relatives of the newly decorated officers and the head of the British diplomatic corps graced the ocasion.

Captain Sait Njie, a newly promoted officer delivered the vote of thanks.