We congratulate the newly passed out Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) recruits for their successful completion of a rigorous training to become part of the gallant men entrusted with the task of defending the territorial integrity of this nation.

We hope that the new recruits adopt themselves to the core values of the military, execute their duties professionally, and above all conduct themselves in a disciplined manner.

As the vice president and chief of Defence Staff reiterated during the passing out ceremony, the development is all geared towards consolidating the human resource capacity of GAF.

We therefore call on the new intakes to always be proud of themselves and their commander-in-chief, and heed his frequent call for them to be disciplined by putting behind them all acts that could in one way or the other tarnish the image of the noble military institution.They should also at all times remember that unity and discipline are fundamental prerequisites for development.

We also wish to call on the new recruits to remain united and loyal to the state and the commander-in-chief, who has made GAF what it is today. Being loyal to the president is a way of reciprocating what he has over the years achieved for GAF in particular, and the country in general.

We are optimistic that the new recruits will uphold the good deeds of their superiors and take their commander-in-chief as a role model, so that they can fulfill what is expected of them.