GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, STATE HOUSE
STATE AVENUE TOWER HILL, FREETOWN
MEDIA ADVISORY
CODE: SH/86/11 30th JULY 2011MED FORCES GET HIGH MARKS

BENGUEMA, FREETOWN: The Commander-In-Chief of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has extolled his officers and recruits for display of bravery, diligence and dedication to their work in diverse professional military skills both at home and in international peacekeeping missions.
President Ernest Bai Koroma cited, in particular the army’s efficient discharge of its constitutional duty as custodians of the country’s air, land and sea territorial integrity at the passing-out and decoration ceremony of Officers and Recruits at the Benguema Military Training Garrison in the far cast of Freetown.
The Head of State described the training as rigorous and hopes the gentlemen and ladies of the armed forces would live up to the expectations in the discharge of the their constitutional duty.
The address delivered shortly after decorating thirty-eight second and substantive lieutenants and over one hundred Private solders, registered government’s continuous commitment to upgrading the capabilities and enhancing the welfare of men and women of the RSLAF, with improved condition of service.
‘My government would ensure that the RSLAF’s image is fully protected at all times’, he said, adding that RSLAF personnel are currently taking part in international peacekeeping missions in Dafur, Sudan and other parts of the world and actively participating in the ECOWAS Standby Forces in the sub-region.
Further reminding the RSLAF of its duty, the CIC reiterated that personnel should be consciously dedicated to duty, honour and country as custodians of the nation’s defence and not substitute words for actions, but master themselves with high goals and never forget how to win.
As a professional institution charged with the sole responsibility of protecting the country, President Koroma admonished the new officers and soldiers that they should always go along with modesty, simplicity and true greatness, adding that as the political season is fast approaching, the army must remain non-political and should always uphold their pledge and oath.
Earlier, giving an overview of the Training Programme, the Coordinating, Colonel D.T.O. Taluvah informed all that personnel went through basic military and specialized training for senior, junior commissioned and non commissioned officers, including infantry and other skills which ensured their deployment on peacekeeping missions to various parts of the world with the United Nations, African Union, the Economic Community of West African States.
Founded in 1961 at Independence on the model of the British colonial masters, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces is now operating on a unified service structure consisting of well over 12,000 personnel with decentralised branches, including peacekeeping deployments in various postings across the globe.
So far, the government of the incumbent CIC-President Ernest Bai Koroma has made significant progress in restructuring the Armed Forces and improving access to justice and key economic rights- notably health care and education.
It could be recalled that President Koroma vowed to improve the welfare of the military, which is reflected in the present conditions of service of RSLAF personnel as they now receive a monthly one bag rice quota, uniforms, quarters and salaries paid on time.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission Sierra Leone recently won a case enabling ex-military personnel to secure the right to receive risk benefits.