26 Apr 2018

President Mokgweetsi Masisi has on April 25 awarded medals to members of the Botswana Defense Force (BDF) past and present as a way of recognising and thanking them for their outstanding service and conduct in military duties.

The occasion that was held at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB) was a prelude to the 41st BDF anniversary celebrations which will be held tomorrow at the National stadium.

President Masisi who is also the commander in chief inspected a Guard of Honour and bestowed deserving officers with the Duty Code Order (DCO) medals.  

The DCO is awarded to members of the administration and technical staff of the BDF for their devotion to duty.

The President also presented the Commander’s Formation of the year award in the form of a trophy to the Ground Forces Command which is the unit that has won the most sporting disciplines of the year.

Meanwhile, Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane who also graced the occasion awarded the Foreign Service Medal (FSM) to retired members.  Similarly, he awarded the Pearl Jubilee Medals (PJM) to members who have completed 30 years of honourable continuous service in the defence force as well as the Distinguished Service Medals (DSM).  

The DSM is awarded to commissioned officers who have completed not less than 20 years of continuous service with good conduct.

The Long Service Order (LSO) award was presented to members of other ranks within the BDF by Minister of Defence, Justice and Security Mr Shaw Kgathi and Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development Mr Thapelo Olopeng who had graced the occasion as well.

The main anniversary celebrations will follow April 28 at the National Stadium, starting at 7am. President Masisi and Mr Tsogwane are expected to grace the celebrations. Ends