10 Jul 2016

Recruiting technologically knowledgeable people is an indication of a dynamic defence force which strives to stay relevant and abreast with global developments, President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama has said.

Officiating at the commissioning parade of 17 special entrant officer cadets in Mogoditshane on Friday, he said the seemingly small group of officer cadets intake was in fact large, considering what they bring to the army.

“The graduation is a step in the right direction by Botswana Defence Force (BDF) which continues to live up to expectation by delivering on its mandate of protecting the territorial integrity, national interests and sovereignty,” he said.

President Khama noted that the officers “bring specialised professional qualifications and experience which had hitherto been in short supply. I must therefore express my sincere appreciation that despite the allure of a competitive remuneration outside BDF, they chose to serve their country out of the spirit of patriotism.”

President Khama said the six month training has equipped the graduates to effectively execute their primary function of defending the nation, and encouraged them to strive for excellence because as pioneers of the special entrant course, they were the foundation upon which future graduates would rely on.    

President Khama said the professionals would have a positive influence on the readiness of the BDF by assisting in keeping troops committed in operational engagements and increase capacity to deal with cases in the theater of operation.

“Turnaround time for service delivery will also be shortened as this will guarantee medical support close to the theatre operations, and will also reduce waiting periods in health facilities in military installations. As for lawyers, this programme will further help the realisation of establishing an independent military justice system,” he said.

He, however, cautioned that the fact that the BDF was held in high esteem by Batswana and the international community meant that graduates must never allow themselves to bring the army’s image into disrepute but should live its value system of defending Botswana.

The military graduates are called special entrants because they bring in specialised professional qualifications and experience which has been in short supply in the army. The professions include clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, dentists, nurses, medical doctors, bio-medical engineers, environmental health officers, lawyers, veterinarians and chaplains. ENDS