876 recruits of intake 29 passed out recently following 16 weeks of rigorous military training. Speaking at the colourful ceremony, held in July 22nd Square, CDS Lang Tombong Tamba expressed his gratitude to President Jammeh and his government for the support rendered to The Gambia Armed Forces. He noted that from 1994 to the present day The Gambia Armed Forces has been transformed and developed in many aspects including infrastructure and logistics. “All one needs to do to be convinced is to walk into any barracks or look at the turn out of military personnel,” he stated.

He added that another area of significant development which is not so evident is the human resources investment and capacity building of the personnel of The Gambia Armed Forces.

He revealed that The Gambia Armed Forces is conducting a special recruitment drive aimed at professionals and officer cadets.

“Officers of all ranks are training in Pakistan, Turkey, the United Kingdom, The United States of America, Taiwan, Ghana, Nigeria and the University of The Gambia where they are receiving both military and academic training. We also have among our ranks graduates from various fields and professions including barristers, doctors, engineers and pilots to name but a few,” he said.

CDS also gave a special commendation to the Turkish military advisers for the professional guidance they are providing in The Gambia.

He stated that the Gambia Armed Forces is rapidly expanding and this momentum will continue. In conclusion he thanked the families, friends and relatives of the new recruits who were passing out for the support and encouragement they provided during the training period.