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Today, the Senior Officers, Junior Officers, and other ranks from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Rwanda National Police (RNP), and Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) completed five-month military career courses at the RDF Combat Training Centre in Gabiro.

The courses equipped the trainees with the knowledge and skills required to serve as professional company commanders, platoon commanders, company sergeant majors, and platoon sergeants.

Presiding over the graduation ceremony, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK MUBARAKH, congratulated the graduates for their commitment, discipline, and sacrifice, which enabled them to reach this milestone. He emphasised that the achievement contributes to the RDF’s vision of maintaining a trained and professional force capable of responding effectively to current and emerging security challenges.

“For good performance, a soldier must undertake vigorous and continuous training. Military training prepares individuals to perform physically and mentally demanding tasks at the highest possible levels of proficiency. Training pays off through significant achievements in theatre and in routine force duties. This is in line with the leadership guidance emphasised by the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF,” said Gen MUBARAKH.

He encouraged the graduates, officers, and non-commissioned officers to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the course in their assignments. He also urged them to uphold discipline, which remains one of the fundamental principles of the RDF.

Among the graduates was Capt Godfrey Kagabo, who said the training had equipped him to prepare for, engage, and ultimately defeat the enemy in the context of modern warfare. Meanwhile, Capt Betty Mukunzi said the course had prepared her to serve as a battalion commander, strengthened her confidence in command, and demonstrated that effective leadership is not determined by gender.

The rigorous training focused on strengthening military skills, tactical thinking and planning, leadership, administration, and management. It prepared the trainees to undertake various command and staff responsibilities within their institutions.

The graduation marks another significant milestone in the RDF’s continued efforts to professionalise its personnel and build a highly capable force prepared to address current and future security challenges.