Following the approval by His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr Adama Barrow, for the promotion of 1,400 Other Ranks of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), the Gambia Armed Forces Training School (GAFTS) held a decoration ceremony on Thursday, 8 October 2026, for 38 of its personnel who were among those elevated to new ranks.

It is often said that promotion, especially in the military, is not just about wearing a new rank but also about the recognition of discipline, sacrifice, and the trust placed in the promotee. It signifies the ability to shoulder greater responsibilities, lead with honour, and serve with courage and integrity.

The Commandant of GAFTS, Major Ebrima Ceesay, described the event as a significant occasion in the professional lives of the newly promoted non-commissioned officers (NCOs). He made these remarks while congratulating the promotees on their well-deserved promotions.

“Your promotion is a recognition of your hard work, discipline, dedication to duty, and leadership potential. You have earned this achievement through your performance and conduct, and you should be proud of this achievement,” he noted.

Major Ceesay urged the promotees to uphold the values and traditions of military service, emphasising that discipline, loyalty, integrity, respect, courage, and selfless service must remain at the centre of their professional lives.

“Your soldiers, peers, commanders, and the GAF will look up to you for leadership, guidance, and example,” he said.

Delivering the keynote address as the Chief Guest of Honour and representing the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant Colonel Samba Baldeh, the Director of Training and Doctrine at Defence Headquarters, congratulated the soldiers, stating that the day marked a significant milestone in their careers. He noted that the promotions reflected their dedication, discipline, professionalism, and commitment to service.

He described the military profession as a noble one, noting that it is one of the most challenging professions a person can undertake, yet one of the most rewarding.

Lieutenant Colonel Baldeh stressed that promotions in the GAF are based on merit and form part of a long-standing tradition enshrined in the Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) for both officers and soldiers. He stated that their elevation represented greater responsibility and increased expectations regarding their ability to lead and serve, quoting the popular adage, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

He urged the promotees to continue developing themselves professionally, noting that military knowledge is never complete.

“Make every opportunity to learn from your commanders, peers, and even subordinates. Needless to remind you that, as personnel of a training institution like GAFTS, you must always keep yourselves physically fit, mentally alert, and professionally prepared for the challenges that may come your way,” he stated.

Lieutenant Colonel Baldeh thanked the families and loved ones of the promoted soldiers for their support, prayers, and patience throughout their careers.

He concluded by commending the Commandant and instructors of GAFTS for the important role they continue to play in training and developing competent and disciplined personnel of the GAF.

The ceremony was marked by the military tradition of bathing the newly promoted soldiers with their new ranks, a gesture symbolising goodwill and wishing them success as they assume their new ranks and responsibilities.