The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has inaugurated its 72nd Basic Training Course for new recruits.
According to MNDF, the course includes young participants from the first batch of the national service programme who expressed interest in joining the force. The move fulfils a pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to provide opportunities for national service participants to enter the defence force.
The training programme was officially inaugurated at the Southern Area Command by Brigadier General Abdullah Ibrahim, Commanding Officer of the College of Defence and Security Studies.
During the ceremony, Brigadier General Abdullah met with the recruits and instructors. In his address, he encouraged the trainees to maintain discipline and work hard to successfully complete the programme. He also urged instructors to prioritise the safety of trainees throughout the training period.
The ceremony also included the administration of consent procedures for the recruits, while instructors recited their pledges.
A total of 146 recruits are participating in the training course, including 22 women.
Several senior MNDF officials attended the event, including Southern Area Command Commander Colonel Mohammed Jamshad, Deputy Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mohammed Nilam, Command Sergeant Major Nazim Mohamed, and officers of various ranks.
MNDF states that the Army Basic Training Course is compulsory for all recruits and is designed to prepare individuals who are physically and mentally fit to serve the nation while fostering a strong sense of patriotism.