Maria David
THE Namibian Defence Force (NDF) officially commenced its 18th Recruit Training Intake on Monday at the Namibian Defence Force Training Establishment (NDF TE) in Osona-Okahandja.
The ceremony was presided over by Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas, Chief of the Defence Force, marking the beginning of a rigorous training journey for 1,656 young and energetic men and women who have bravely chosen to serve their nation.
This significant intake comprises 1,303 males and 353 females, drawn from across all regions and communities of Namibia.
Among the new recruits, 88 individuals are designated as drivers, and 11 are aspiring pilots.
According to Pinehas, their collective aim is to join the ranks of the NDF and contribute to the defense of Namibia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Pinehas indicated that the career they have chosen is not an easy one.
“By becoming a soldier, you have accepted the highest call to duty and to abide by the requirement of exceptional discipline, loyalty, and dedication to duty — all of which are values that will guide you during your training and the rest of your career in the Namibian Defence Force,” he said.
He added that becoming a soldier signifies accepting the highest call to duty, demanding exceptional discipline, loyalty, and dedication.
Pinehas added that these values will be paramount throughout their training and subsequent careers within the NDF. The nation’s defense, as stipulated in the Constitution, hinges on the recruits’ honor, discipline, and unwavering loyalty to their country.
He stressed that this commitment will demand significant sacrifices, including potentially putting one’s life on the line for Namibia’s defense.
Pinehas explained that the Recruit Training Programme is specifically designed to reorient individuals, gradually building their capacity to withstand the hardships of war.
“Recruits are expected to demonstrate their willingness and readiness to defend the country throughout their training,” he added.
To ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the training, Pinehas said that strict guidelines have been put in place for both recruits and instructors.
Further, he said that recruits face immediate withdrawal from the program if found using illicit drugs, engaging in relationships with service members during training, or consuming alcohol.
Hence, Pinehas added that they are expected to demonstrate unwavering discipline, resolve, and determination. Instructors are also held to a high standard of conduct, required to act with utmost professionalism, maintain information security by not divulging training details to unauthorized persons, consistently adhere to established procedures when assisting recruits, and at all times comply with the provisions of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No. 1 of 2002) as amended, and the Instructions for Instructors by the NDF TE.
