Eleven new recruits join the ranks of the Seychelles Defence Forces |15 July 2023

The recruits in a souvenir photograph with guests

Eleven new recruits have joined the ranks of the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) after successfully completing 16 weeks of basic military training from March 24, 2023, that was mostly held at the SDF military training centre, Barbarons.

The 11 gentlemen took their Oath of Allegiance in a short ceremony held on Thursday afternoon at the Defence Forces Academy based at the Seychelles Coast Guard at Ile Perseverance in the presence of guest of honour and chief of the Armed Forces, Brigadier Michael Rosette; the chief of staff, Colonel Jean Attala; high officials of the SDF and family members.

Also present was the vice-chairperson of the Defence and Security Committee in the National Assembly and elected member for Baie Lazare, Hon. François Adelaide.

It was Brigadier Rosette who presented the new soldiers with their national flag patch after which they read the credo for Seychellois soldiers.

Ranked as privates, they will now join their respective units of choice and contribute towards the defence of the country.

Their training which was also retarded due to the Covid-19 pandemic, included theoretical and practical sessions in weaponry, first aid, map reading and tactical skills among others.

Initially there were 31 young prospective soldiers in the group but only the 11 managed to succeed and graduate to pursue their military career with SDF.

The others, among whom included one female recruit, did not continue with their training for various reasons.

Recruit Chad Payet, who formed part of the group, sadly passed away during training on March 27, 2023, just four days after being enrolled on training.

Among the 11 privates, Dovano Labiche came out as the best overall performer after having excelled in academic and practical studies including demonstrating good attitude, honesty and discipline. He was presented with his award and certificate by Brigadier Rosette.

“I feel very happy. It is something that I was not expecting. Training was extremely difficult where at times we did not get enough sleep. We lost one of our colleagues very early in training and although it affected us a bit we were in total concentration by the end of the six weeks of training,” said Private Labiche, who noted that he was motivated to continue on his journey by always thinking of his family, the reason for him joining SDF to assist them.

The award for the best performer in Practical studies went to Private Rico Raoudy while the award for the best performer in Academic studies went to Private Joshua Fanchette.

In his address for the occasion, Brigadier Rosette, who welcomed the new privates in the SDF family on behalf of the Commander in Chief and President of the Republic, Wavel Ramkalawan, said that the organisation provides a lot of opportunities and guidance for self-development but one has to work hard.

He pointed out to the privates that the completion of the training programme does not mean that they have learnt all there is about the military but to rather take it that it has provided them with a strong foundation of skills and knowledge on which they can continue to develop their military career.

“As you get posted to your units of choice, ensure that you maintain the highest level of discipline and devotion to your assigned duties. As a professional force, we have zero tolerance policy on anti-social activities and all infractions will be dealt with firmly in line with Defence Forces Offences Act,” Brigadier Rosette said, congratulating them for successfully completing their training to join the force.

The Brigadier urged other members of the force to guide the new soldiers in their career with sharing of relevant skills and knowledge and the parents to continue supporting them given that they had made a brave decision to commit to a career that requires a lot of sacrifice.

He congratulated the trainers who have trained and groomed the young soldiers from civilian to military life.

He also on behalf of the SDF paid respect to late recruit Payet.  

Speaking on behalf his fellow comrade soldiers, Private Joshua Fanchette thanked the SDF family for accepting them and their families for supporting them on their journey. He assured the SDF and the people of Seychelles that they are all ready and can be relied on to defend the country.

During the ceremony, a group of service personnel who attended a training in psychosocial support to promote mental health wellbeing to those affected by trauma, received their certificates.

The ceremony started with a blessing by SDF Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel Deacon Louis Agathine, who also called for a minute silence in memory of the late recruit, Chad Payet.

Patrick Joubert