24 Mar 2014

Air Arm Commander, Maj. Gen. Odirile Mashinyana, on March 20, urged graduants at the Botswana Defense Force (BDF) air arm technical training school to uphold BDF’s values and ensure that the air arm command mission is accomplished.

Speaking at the air arm technical training school graduation ceremony at Thebephatshwa Air Base, Maj. Gen. Mashinyana told the 66 grandaunts that by joining the BDF they had accepted the nation’s call. He encouraged them to always uphold the BDF’s values and ensure that the air arm command mission was accomplished.

He told the grandaunts that the BDF was one of the most professional militaries in the world. He added that working in the military was a dangerous and sensitive business and therefore the grandaunts should always be on top of their game at all times.

“This is just the beginning. You must get experience first and not rush to look for other employment. The various qualifications that you received will give you a special foundation and a new springboard to build your career,” said Maj. Gen. Mashinyana.

He further implored the grandaunts to work hard with commitment and dedication when they get to their squadrons and always work with discipline and flight safety consciousness in their minds.

He reiterated the commitment of the BDF high command to upgrading of both the flying training school and the technical training school to enable them to cope with the ever changing aviation technological advancement.

He said the recent acquisition of PC-7 Mk II and Mk II simulators will enhance the quality of pilots produced by BDF. He also announced that the technical training school will be upgraded to enable the school to offer leadership, management and logistic courses that are tailor made for technicians.

He added that funds permitting, the Air Arm Command will train all its qualified maintenance technicians and engineers so that they possess trainer of trainers’ qualifications.

For his part, Lt. Col. Job Sejoe said 16 students were trained as armament safety and ground support equipment technicians, 31 as airframe and power plant mechanics and 19 students as avionics electrical and instruments technicians. He urged the grandaunts to always perform to the squadron expectations.

“You are a soldier first and an air technician or mechanic second. Always remember that every successful flight culminates in landing,” he said.
Lt. Col. Job Sejoe revealed that since 2001 to date, the technical training school has graduated a total of 473 students saving the government and in particular the BDF a lot of training financial resources.

Student representative Sgt. Gaolefufa Molefi commended fellow colleagues for a job well done saying the journey was not easy as some quit along the way. He said they went into training with the objective of learning, which enabled them to attain the 75% cut off point.

Sgt. Molefi said they are now capable and confident enough to work in any division of the Air Arm Command. Ends