17 young soldiers join SPDF’s special forces unit |23 October 2021
The young soldiers being presented with their badges (Photo: Jude Morel)
Seventeen young soldiers from the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces who successfully completed the special forces unit’s training course intake 01/21, have been presented with their badges and certificates of completion as fully fledged personnel of the unit.
There was a special mention for private Guyra Boniface, the only female in the group for being the first female member of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) to attempt and complete the special forces qualification course since it was first introduced.
It was the chief of defence forces, Colonel Michael Rosette and chief of staff of defence Colonel Simon Dine who presented the new special forces unit (Tazar) personnel with their badges and certificates of completion in a small graduation ceremony held at the Seychelles Defence Academy, Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG), Ile Persévérance.
Present were commanding officer of SCG, Lieutenant Colonel Jean Attala, commanding officers, senior officers, other ranks and civilian staff.
The officer and 16 personnel from SCG posted to the special forces unit, had gone through two months intensive special forces’ basic training. Divided into three, the first phase of the training was mainly about physical conditioning to include land navigation and long patrols during the day and night, carrying loads. It was to prepare them for tougher physical activities in the second and third phases.
During the second phase of the training,the soldiers did weapon training and marksmanship, special tactics including reactions to contacts, closer quarter battles, raids, visit board search and seizure trainings, swimming, close protection, map reading, demolition, survival, escape and evasion to name a few.
The last phase was reserved for test and practical exercises. They endured different tests for endurance, marksmanship, physical and mental strength, among other various individual skills required in special operations. The last test was an 85km march known by special forces unit around the world as the ‘special forces qualification course’ or ‘the trek’. The march took place along the coast of Mahé and to qualify, they had to complete the march in 15 hours, which they all did.
As part of their training, the soldiers also took part in the joint ‘Cateau Noir’ military exercise organised recently by the SPDF and the Forces armées dans la zone sud de l’Océan Indien (FAZSOI) based in Reunion.
Nineteen soldiers undertook the training when it first started on August 23, 2021. Most of them were new recruits who had joined the SPDF family in April, 2021. They all volunteered to undergo the training.
In his address for the occasion, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Hollanda, the commanding officer of the special forces unit, said he was proud of the young soldiers’ achievements and he hopes they continue to excel in their duties in the months and years ahead.
The lieutenant colonel reminded the young soldiers that they should be mindful of the special forces’ tab they are wearing which represents the three army values ‒ loyalty, duty and honor ‒ under which the unit stands for and which they have to abide by.
“By experience, I know the past eight weeks have not been easy for you all. They might look short but I know that they have not felt short. It has probably felt a little more like eight years rather than eight weeks,” said Lieutenant Colonel Hollanda.
“You have learned that tough is not something you become overnight. You learn that discipline is not something that you are. Those are things that you become through persistence and hard work,” added Lieutenant Colonel Hollanda who also thanked all those within the SPDF, and civilians who made the training possible.
Most of the young soldiers who talked to the press said although the training was tough, it was not insurmountable as they helped each other in order to complete. They all encouraged young men and women to join the forces as apart from developing a career path in the different fields they will be helping to protect our country’s sovereignty.
“I chose to join the training to match my character. I am the kind of person who likes challenges. I hope to move further in my career so that later in life my children will have me as an inspiration to look up to,” said private Boniface who added that she adapted well with her male colleagues as there was mutual respect between them.
As for private Derick Croisée, he said: “I’ve always wanted to join the Tazar since seeing the activities they do on television and I jumped at the opportunity to join the unit through the training which I am very happy about.”
On the other hand, private Marvis Leon said he “always dreamed of being a bodyguard and the training has offered me the chance to be one”.
Captain Michel Souris, in charge of operations and training, said in light of possible piracy threats or other terrorism acts like hostage takings, the unit finds itself with a lack of manpower and this is why they are offering this training to attract more young soldiers to join.
The ‘Tazar’ unit was created in 2009 to fight piracy and acts of terrorism, including offering security to very important persons (VIPs). For the moment it is operating with fewer than 100 personnel.
Yesterday’s ceremony was blessed by Lieutenant Colonel and deacon Louis Agathine.
Patrick Joubert
