On 26 October 2018, 37 officers from Rwanda Defence Force in the ranks of Major and Captain, including 3 females, and 2 Rwanda National Police officers; making a total of 39, graduated from Junior Command and Staff Course 11. This brings the total number of graduates since inception of this course to 402 officers. For a period of 18 weeks that these officers had been at the College, they undertook an intensive training programme comprising many modules, including routine and operational service writing, communication skills, force organization, military leadership command and management, military training, military intelligence, tactics, logistics, land operations, air operations, and peace support operations. They also undertook a number of study visits, and most importantly conducted many indoor and outdoor exercises. All this, was supplemented by important lectures of opportunity delivered by both military and civilian institutions high officials, on contemporary security issues.

On behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the graduation ceremony was presided over by the Commandant of RDF Command and Staff College, Maj Gen J Bosco Kazura, where it was attended by Northern Province Executive Secretary, 2 Division Comd, RDF and RNP Senior Officers, UR Representative, Religious Leaders and Higher Learning Institutions Leaders, spouses and family relatives of graduands as well as Local Authorities.

In his remarks, the Commandant congratulated the graduands for having demonstrated high standards of discipline and good conduct during the 4 months course. Gen Kazura told the graduands the following and here I quote: “You have improved your knowledge in various fields, but please be aware that the end of this course is just the end of a small part of the already started protracted expedition. Undeniably, you now have the elementary tools required to work harder and achieve more; and to bravely face up to the immediate and future tasks. As you go out there, set off with commitment and determination to do for your country what others would want to do on your behalf but in their own way. In fact go out there with more patriotism and loyalty than ever before and put the country before yourself.”

Graduands from JCSC 11

Spouses and family relatives of graduands

Col Frederick ITANGAYENDA, the General Coordinator at the RDF Command and Staff College, in his remarks, he reminded the graduands the mission of RDFCSC which is “To develop Officers with the highest intellectual and Professional Standards in Command and Control of the Defence Forces, in order to respond effectively to the challenges of the Contemporary Operating Environment”. He, furthermore, reported that the graduands adhered to the College expectations and vigorously pursued the course objectives to the desired end state; which is, to produce an officer with the requisite critical and creative thinking, analytical and communication skills, as well as professional military knowledge in staff, command and leadership duties, to be able to adapt to the ever-changing operating environments. He ended his speech with a quote by Muhammad Ali. Here is a quote: “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ’Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion’.”

Maj JP SHYAKA awarded as the overall best student.

SP Alexis MANZI awarded as the second overall best student.

Northern Province Executive Secretary, 2 Division Commander, RDF and RNP Senior Officers, UR Representative, Religious Leaders and Higher Learning Institutions Leaders, spouses and family relatives of graduands as well as Local Authorities attended JCSC 11 Graduation Ceremonies.