14 new privates join SPDF family |23 April 2018

Fourteen young recruits who have successfully completed their training at the Barbarons military training centre have officially joined the ranks of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces as privates.

The passing out ceremony was held on Friday in the presence of SPDF chief of staff Colonel Michael Rosette, high ranking army officials and the recruits’ family members.

The 14 new privates, comprising five females and nine males, started their training on January 12, 2018 and received training in areas such as weaponry, map reading and tactical skills.

They were also the first-ever batch of recruits to have participated in the L’Amitié military exercise with the Indian military force.

On behalf of the recruits, Daniel Sanguilon gave an overview of the journey stating that “it was not easy to transition from civilian to soldiers”.

He stated that there were initially 20 recruits who had joined but that unfortunately six could not continue with the programme.

“We know this is not an easy work but with patience and confidence that you have shown in our regards we are now able to take our oath today,” Private Sanguilon said while addressing their lecturers.

He concluded his remarks by handing over his speech to Colonel Rosette so that it could in turn be given to the commander-in-chief of the Seychelles armed forces, President Danny Faure.

The recruits then took their oath of allegiance and were presented with the national flag patch by Colonel Rosette.

While addressing the recruits Colonel Rosette asked that they take their new engagement seriously and let their decisions be guided by the military code conduits, the Constitution and the Defence Forces Act.

“Our work is one which is noble and difficult, henceforth we have to remain strict while serving our country .”

He further stated that the SPDF is a work place with many opportunities where young people can gradually build a career either in the Coast Guard, Air Force or various other units.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to the best performing recruits.

18-year-old Christian Edmond came out as the best overall recruit while Ronny Dufrene was awarded with best outdoor recruit and Daniel Sanguilon the best academic recruit.

Private Edmond stated that he wishes to join the Air Force as a pilot or the Coast Guard as a mechanic.