The 15th graduation ceremony of the Namibia Command and Staff College took place on Thursday, with 26 student officers graduating.
During the ceremony, Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi said the number of female officers should be increased in future courses as part of the Ministry’s Gender Policy.
Of the 26 student officers who graduated with a Diploma in Military Science, six were women.
‘I am pleased to note that six of the graduates are female, which is in line with the ministry’s policy on gender to further the essence and virtues of women in the Defence Force. I recommend that the number of female officers be increased in future courses,” he said.
The graduation ceremony saw a female officer being awarded as the best academic student.
The graduates were equipped with analytical and communication skills during the 26-week course in order to broaden their understanding of how to employ different Namibian Defence Force (NDF) arms of service (the Army, Air Force and Navy) up to brigade level, which furthermore enables them to predict national, regional and international issues which affect and influence decision-making in the NDF.
Kapofi encouraged the graduates to effectively apply the skills and knowledge they acquired during the course in order to bring about organisational competence.
“You are urged to demonstrate competence and professionalism and to make a difference wherever you will be posted or assigned. You should bring innovative and creative ideas and skills that are necessary to bring about organisational effectiveness,” the minister said.
The Namibia Command and Staff College was established by the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs in 2009 and offers officers staff training and education.
Since its inception more than 13 junior staff courses have been conducted, with over 200 officers graduating.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency