The Chief of Air Staff(CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar on Saturday charged the 1,190 new recruits of Basic Military Training Course 44 to protect and uphold the sovereignty of the country.
Abubakar gave the charge at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of basic military training course 44/2023, held at Military Training Centre (MTC), parade ground NAF Base, Kaduna.
The CAS, who was the reviewing officer at the POP said, “Indeed, wisdom dictates that only the finest and most exceptional individuals from our society should be entrusted with the sacred duty of defending our sovereign motherland.
“It is in this light that 1,136 recruits and 78 ex-Junior Airmen and Airwomen were meticulously selected to embark on this six month voyage of enlistment into the Nigerian Air Force.
“We are here to witness the passing out of 1,190 of them who have been found worthy in character and learning.
”This will make them to earn their rightful place as airmen and airwomen of the Nigerian Air Force, and as proud members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
Abubakar congratulated the graduating airmen and airwomen and urged them to see the PoP as the first step of their journey towards a rewarding career in the Nigerian Air Force.
He said, “Your training was deliberately made to be tedious and challenging so that only the fittest can survive, because, as the saying goes, “it is the test of fire that makes fine steel.”
According to him, the objective of the rigorous exercises and endurance training was to mould them into warriors, tradesmen and leaders – men and women of courage, discipline and resilience.
‘Abubakar said, ‘They have been prepared to serve in the NAF with the highest standards of professionalism and dedication.”
He told the recruits that as newly enlisted airmen and airwomen, they were now a vital part of the NAF’s mission to protect and uphold the sovereignty of our nation.
“You are graduating at a time when our beloved nation faces significant security challenges.
“This demands not only vigilance and adaptability, but also an unwavering commitment to duty.
“You are therefore called to a life of selfless service, and the efforts you make on the field will play a vital role in shaping the future of the NAF.
”This is by strengthening the security of our nation, and ensuring its continued prosperity,”he said.
The CAS changed them to operate within the rules of engagement as enumerated in the Code of Conduct for Armed Forces personnel involved in internal security operations.
He said, “Respect and protect the innocent and law-abiding civilians whom you are paid to defend.
”Treat them with respect and protect their rights, as we build a nation where no man is oppressed.”
Abubakar also charged them to maintain positive civil-military relations which is essential for a civilized society.
He encouraged them to embrace the NAF’s core values of integrity, service before self and excellence in all we do.
The Air chief appreciated President Bola Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to addressing the operational, logistical and welfare needs of the Service.
“I assure Mr President of our unalloyed loyalty and total commitment to his Agenda for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“I wish you all a fulfilling and impactful career in the Nigerian Air Force,” Abubakar said.(NAN)