By Lamin Kujabi
His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of The Gambia Armed Forces, Adama Barrow, on Wednesday, 21st May 2025, presided over the passing out parade of The Gambia Armed Forces’ intake 39 of 351 soldiers, held at McCarthy Square in Banjul. The batch comprises of 290 male and 51 female soldiers.
The 351 soldiers have undergone intensive basic military tactics training, infantry and combat skills.
After the processions, seven awards were presented to the most outstanding recruits, the overall best recruit and five instructors, for their performances.
In his speech, the Commander-in-Chief began by congratulating the recruits onsuccessfully completing twenty-two weeks of rigorous basic military training.
“You have demonstrated the resilience, discipline, and mental fortitude required to transition from civilian life into the professional ranks of the GFA. Your journey, thus far, indicates a commitment to the sovereignty and security of our dear nation, which you surely value more than yourselves”.
He went on: “Proudly consider the occasion not merely as a graduation ceremony but also a solemn recognition of your acceptance and admission to one of the noble ranks of Gambian patriots ready at all times to respond to the call for national duty. It denotes your willingness to defend our homeland, uphold our values, and stand ready to answer the call of service, wherever and whenever the need arises”.
The President observed that in this era, marked by complex security threats, both traditional and non-traditional, the role of a professional, alert, and accountable military has never been more critical. He therefore urged The Gambia Armed Forces to continue to evolve in response to emerging challenges, such as terrorism, transnational crime, cyber threats, and climate-related disasters.
He affirmed the Government’s full commitment to transforming the GAF into a modern, professional, and well-resourced institution. “We will continue to invest in infrastructure, training, logistics, equipment, and the welfare of the personnel. In accordance with our democratic values, our defence transformation agenda is rooted in transparency, accountability, and respect for civilian oversight,” he concluded.
President Barrow expressed gratitude to defence and security partners who continue to play a vital role in their capacity-building efforts.
He finally advised intake thirty-nine to wear their uniform with honour, serve with humility, and lead with integrity.
Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Mamat O. Cham expressed honour and a profound sense of duty to witness the passing out parade of the recruits.
CDS Cham added that this event did not just mark the end of the basic military training for the young men and women but a beginning of a life-long journey of honour, discipline and service to the country.
He congratulated the fresh members of The Gambia Armed Forces, affirming that they earned a place in The Gambia Armed Forces through their hard work, commitment and dedication.
“You now carry the responsibility of safeguarding peace, sovereignty, courage and integrity. I call on you to represent and uphold the core pillars of my command - capacity, cooperation and confidence. This will empower our personnel with skills and tools to meet the security challenges, as well as get ready for the service,” the CDS Cham stated.
He pointed out that the Armed Forces is not a political entity; that it operates under a clear command of legally constitutional leadership and allegiance to The Gambia and her people.
He thanked the President and Commander-in-chief for the support; The Gambia Armed Forces and partners such as Senegal, Guinea Bissau and Mauritania for their cooperation and support to the sub-regional peace and stability.
Commander, Gambia Armed Forces Training School, Major Abdoulie Secka , expressed great pleasure and honour to witness the passing out parade of The Gambia Armed Forces intake 39. He informed that during the training they were introduced to military law, basic international humanitarian laws, discipline, battle field operations and survival in difficult situation.
The passing out ceremony was attended by Ministers, Secretary to cabinet and Head of Civil Services, Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidency, Senior Government officials, Security Chiefs, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, family, friends and colleagues.
