16 Feb 2025

A total of 479 Botswana Defence Force (BDF) soldiers of private rank graduated from basic military training at Pandamatenga base camp on Thursday. Intake 82 of 2025, comprising 135 females and 344 males, trained for six months which culminated in a pass out parade and awarding of certificates to top achievers who excelled in physical fitness, Best in Drill, best in skills at arms, and best overall private rank graduate.

Officiating at the pass out parade, ground forces command and joint forces commander, Major General Simon Barwabatsile implored the graduates to be of good character and embody the values of the military; discipline, integrity, courage, and Botho.

Emphasising resilience and discipline, Major General Barwabatsile said, “ a Soldier should be of sharp mind, adapt to any environment and be ready to be deployed wherever necessary.”

He expressed faith that with the new soldiers having undergone intensive training over the last six months they would be competitive in their respective units of deployment.

He said the soldiers would go through training crafted for their respective units of deployment hence urged them to adapt and embrace this new experience.

Major Gen. Barwabatsile advised the officers to actively pursue personal and professional development to gain knowledge and skills, which would also benefit the entire defence force.

He highlighted that the world was constantly evolving with nations grappling security threats which called for military officers to always be alert, vigilant and available whenever needed for peacekeeping missions.

He further called on the officers to be responsible citizens and to be good ambassadors of BDF as they joined the community.

Major Gen Barwabatsile told the officers to practice safe sex, and desist from being perpetrators of gender based violence, illicit drugs and substances.

The best student in military subjects and best overall officer, Private Kutlo Makhula said he enjoyed the six months training especially the theory subjects, on which he garnered high marks. ENDS