–Class Comprises 56 Females, 120 Males
IPNEWS: As part of efforts in line with the Commander–in–Chief and President of the Republic of Liberia, George Weah’s objective to augment the current strength of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) and boost its readiness capacity, the MOD/AFL launched a recruitment drive in early January 2022.
The recruitment provided an opportunity for young Liberians who met the eligibility standards to serve, a Ministry of Defense statement says.
Given this, the MOD/AFL will conduct a graduation ceremony at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia on 22 December 2022 for 178 recruits who have completed the Initial Entry Training (IET). The graduating class comprises 56 females and 120 males. It is important to note that the recruitment process represents a geographical balance of Liberia and was conducted at four strategic and geographical locations (Montserrado, Bomi, Bong, Grand Gedeh, and Maryland Counties).
According to the Ministry of Defense, the recruitment process consisted of three vigorous and stringent phases; Phase One: The Intake (Screening of academic documents, aptitude test, and initial medical and physical fitness test). Successful applicants from this phase were placed into Phase Two (which consisted of an in-person-Interview, background check, and public vetting). The final phase, which is Phase Three consisted of the following (a Call to service letter, and final medical and physical examinations). Successful applicants in the order of merits based on the above criteria were selected for IET.
“This graduation ceremony marks the completion of over 12 weeks of intense basic military training conducted at the Tubman Military Academy, Camp Todee Montserrado County,” the MOD statement says
Additionally, the IET was intended to transform civilians recruited into military personnel. During the training, basic military skills are instilled into the recruits. After graduation, the soldiers will return to the Military Academy to undergo Advance Individual Training (AIT); thereafter, they will be assigned to various units/formations of the AFL.
Meanwhile, 24 Officer Candidates (OC) are also undergoing training at the Officer Candidate School at the Tubman Military Academy, Todee. Officer Candidates are personnel with various professional qualifications including medical doctors, engineers, etc. The OC Class is expected to graduate early Next year.
Members of the general public are invited and encouraged to be seated at 0700hrs at the Barclay Training Center, United Nations Drive.
