Musanze, 14 October 2022

Thirty-six officers of the ranks of Major and Captain, including 2 female officers of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and two officers from Rwanda National Police (RNP) successfully completed a Junior Command and Staff Course.

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Army Chief of Staff, Lt Gen M Mubarakh presided over the graduation ceremony of 38 RDF and RNP Officers completing the Junior Command and Staff Course Intake Nineteen (19/22). The ceremony took place at the RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, Musanze District.

In his remarks, the RDF Army Chief of Staff congratulated the graduating officers for successfully completing the course and urged them to rise to the great challenge of building a Defence Force and ultimately a country that we all want and deserve. “We must strive for a Force built on trust and accountability”. Army Chief of Staff

Gen Mubarakh further expressed his belief in the fact that, “The Course has given you the basics in military knowledge, competencies in operations, national security interests and the changing security environment. But the reality is that there will be many gaps to fill because the scope and requirements of military operations continue to expand. I am confident that the completion of this course has equipped each of you the necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to be forward looking leaders. Therefore, I have no doubt that each of you, officers graduating today, comes as timely reinforcement. Bring in fresh energy and ideas, renew our sense of urgency and enhance the lethality needed to prove our enemies wrong”. Gen Mubarakh said.

The RDF Command and Staff College Deputy Commandant, Col JC Ngendahimana said that the JCSC lasted for 20 weeks divided into 2 terms. The first term mainly covered Routine & Operational Staff Work, Land Operations; Force Organization & Capabilities while the second term covered Stability Operations, Operations is Specific Environment, Leadership, Command and Management, National and International Affairs, Training of the Force and several indoor and outdoor training exercises. The aim was to equip the graduating course with the ability to perform command responsibilities at tactical level and the duties of a Grade 3 Staff at operational level effectively. The course also provided a basis for further professional development.

The Dy Comdt also took time to express his gratitude to the spouses of the graduating officers. “I sincerely thank you for the support you have been giving to our officers”. The Commandant said.

From the course, the overall best student of the Graduating Class was Capt Corneil NTAGANIRA while Capt Eugene HAKIZIMANA was the second overall best student

The best Commandant Research Paper was awarded to Capt Laurence NISHIMWE who revealed to the Media that, the Course was very useful as far as performing command and staff duties is concerned. “The Course was very important to perform both Staff officer and Commander Duties. I feel I can be multipurpose in each and every military position”, the officer said.

JCSC 19 ran for 20 weeks from 30 May to 14 October 2022. The Junior Command and Staff Course aims at preparing selected officers for Grade 3 Staff appointments, command appointments at mid-tactical level of war and, after further experience, for Senior Command and Staff Course training.