Twenty-one new soldiers join the SPDF family |13 October 2014

Twenty-one new recruits have joined the Seychelles Coast Guard unit of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF).
They did so on Friday during a passing out ceremony at the Seychelles Defence Academy on South East Island.  

Out of the 33 soldiers who started the training in July this year, only twenty-one managed to complete the course.

During the passing out ceremony, held in the presence of the Commissioner of Police Ernest Quatre, high officials from the SPDF and parents of the recruits, the Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier Leopold Payet welcomed them the new soldiers to the defence forces family on behalf of the Commander in Chief President James Michel and the SPDF itself.

He informed them that they have made a noble decision to join the force even if it was not easy during the past three months.
He also highlighted the numerous opportunities that exist in the defence forces but that they need to have a positive attitude towards their career in the force.

Referring to the ‘Values for one, values for all,’ campaign and in particular this month’s value which is being promoted, which is ‘Love’, Brigadier Payet told the recruits that the SPDF attaches great importance to those values.

“Without love and friendship life in the defence forces will not be fun. So let us all live this ‘Love’ theme for this month,” he said, urging the new recruits to respect the military vows they made that day.

“Keep up your disciplinary standard and do not let yourself be led on the path like drugs, alcohol, bad behaviour because the SPDF will take disciplinary measures against you,” said Brigadier Payet.

The SPDF chaplain, Deacon Louis Agathine, also asked God to shower His blessings on the recruits in their endeavours.

The recruits received their certificates in the various courses they followed during the training. There were certificates in the category Junior Non-Commission Officers; Level III; Signal Communications; best recruit 02/20; best academic and practical subjects.

Anil Paulin came out best in practical and Milena Crispin in academic. Best overall was Guillio Charlot.
Corporal Louis Marie read out the ‘Kredo Solda Seselwa’, which was repeated by other colleagues.

On behalf of her fellow recruits, Lucy Aglae delivered a vote of thanks, noting that it was not easy especially during the transition from belong a civilian to a soldier. “But with perseverance and determination we have been able to adapt to the military principles and subjects. We had to work as a team, put our heads together for us to reach where we are today,” said Ms Aglae, adding they are now ready to join the large SPDF family.

She also had words of thanks to the instructors who had taught and guided them to be where they are now.
Meanwhile four new officers were commissioned as second lieutenant in the SPDF earlier this month after successfully completing their pre-commissioning course at the Officers’ Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, India. They are second lieutenants Laam Laam, Daniel Magloire, Mario Florine and Eddy Lozaique.

The officers received their new epaulettes and commissioning certificates from Brigadier Payet during a separate ceremony at the SPDF headquarters.
Brigadier Payet congratulated and wished them all the best in their new appointment.

The officers are expected to undergo further training and specialisation related to their chosen fields.