Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has celebrated the graduating class of 64th Basic Training course in a ceremony held last night.

The ceremony held at Girifushi commemorate the joining of new members to MNDF as well as completion of basic training course. The guest of honor at the ceremony was the Minister of Defense Mariya Ahmed Didi.

The Minister had presented awards and certificates for those that had won in various areas. As such, the award for the best overall student was won by Private Ahmed Shaihan Jaleel. Additionally the best shooter, winning the “Major Ingireysi Umar Manik Award” was presented to Private Ahmed Shiham. Private Ahmed Hisham had earned the award for best skills in combat with the “Commander Ismail Didi Award”. Awards and certificates were also given to those that earned recognition within platoons. The best female student selected from within the course was Private Aishath Shahuma.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Defense Mariya Ahmed Didi had conveyed her congratulations to new MNDF officers for the completion of basic training course. Additionally, the Minister recognized the invaluable work carried out by MNDF and expressed her gratitude. Mariya advised that the oath taken by MNDF officers initially should not be forgotten when going into the active field of work. She further said that MNDF officers should not hesitate and urged the class to remain carrying out the responsibilities and duties, in addition to their oaths.

The Minister of Defense said that efforts should be carried out to achieve new goals following the oath taking. She said that the goal of the graduating class should be to rise to senior positions within MNDF. MAriya noted that the oath taken as an MNDF officer should not be carried out only under a certain uniform and said that officers are here to serve this country.

While 125 students had completed the 64th basic training course of MNDF, 111 were men and 14 were women.