Musanze, 4 November 24

On Monday, 4 November 2024, the Junior Command and Staff Course (JCSC) Intake 24 was officially opened by the Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor of the RDF Command and Staff College, Brig Gen JC NGENDAHIMANA. He welcomed and congratulated the students on their nomination to the course, encouraging them to strive to become better commanders and staff officers at the tactical level by effectively utilising the available knowledge sources and resources.

The Junior Command and Staff Course 24 is composed of 76 student officers, drawn from RDF (72), RNP (2) and RCS (2). The course is scheduled to run for 21 weeks from 4 November 2024 to 28 March 2025.

The JCSC prepares students to become competent commanders at the battalion level and effective Grade 3 staff officers at both the battalion and brigade levels.

Junior Command and Staff Course Coordinator, Col Alexis KAYISIRE giving his speech.

The Dy Comdt & CI, Brig Gen JC NGENDAHIMANA giving his opening lecture.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor highlighted that the course will equip student officers with essential skills and responsibilities for their roles as commanders and staff officers. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of training in fostering unity, cohesion and sound doctrine within the military. He further expressed confidence that, by staying focused, eager to learn and open to sharing experiences, the students would graduate as improved tactical-level commanders and staff officers. Most importantly, he reminded the students of the college's motto, "Knowledge for Service," underscoring its significance in serving the nation. He stressed that much would be expected of the students and their path would be uphill, often complex and challenging. Therefore, he called on everyone to work together in unity of effort as a team.

The formal course opening was preceded by a two-week International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) training session from 21 October to 1 November 2024. As RDFCSC advances towards becoming a "smart" institution, this program is essential for equipping students with diverse computer skills and software applications that will support them throughout their studies.

Students of JCSC 24 during the Opening Ceremony

Students of JCSC 24 undergoing Physical fitness test.

Group Photo: