President Bio Commissions 718 New Military Officers

President Bio Commissions 718 New Military Officers

President Julius Maada Bio officially commissioned 718 newly trained military personnel into the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) during a formal ceremony at the Armed Forces Training Centre. This event signifies a crucial enhancement of the nation’s security and defence capabilities.

The graduating cohort comprises 89 officer cadets and 629 enlisted soldiers. Notably, the group includes 212 female soldiers and 15 female officer cadets. Following months of rigorous training, during which some recruits were discharged for disciplinary or drug-related infractions, the final count stands at 718 successful graduates.

In his address, President Bio emphasized the imperative of contemporary security readiness, instructing the new officers to be prepared to address complex challenges such as terrorism, cyber threats, climate shocks, and regional instability. He underscored that their training has prepared them to serve within a professional and disciplined force, dedicated to prioritizing national security and the protection of all Sierra Leonean citizens.

The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving military welfare, modernizing equipment, expanding professional development opportunities, and strengthening peacekeeping readiness. He stressed that the future efficacy of the RSLAF rests on the professionalism and integrity of this new generation of officers. He exhorted the graduates to wear their uniform with pride, serve with honor, and actively uphold the unity and stability of Sierra Leone.

He extended his commendation to the instructors, training staff, and the families of the graduates for their steadfast support throughout the demanding training period. Furthermore, he paid tribute to past and fallen soldiers, acknowledging their sacrifices as the foundation of the nation's peace and security.

President Bio characterized the success of the female graduates as a historic achievement, reiterating the government’s commitment to increasing opportunities for women across command, operational, engineering, and peacekeeping roles within the military.

He also formally recognized the essential contributions of defence partners, including ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, and various bilateral allies, whose support has been instrumental in strengthening training, logistics, peacekeeping capacity, and overall military professionalism.

The commissioning ceremony reflects the continuous strategic efforts to modernize Sierra Leone’s military, ensuring the RSLAF remains well-equipped, proficiently trained, and fully capable of responding to emerging security challenges with professionalism and accountability.