By Lamin Fatty
3 Infantry battalion in Basse on Thursday 29th April 2021, decorated 230 soldiers to various Non-Commission Officer ranks.
During the ceremony, 83 personnel were decorated. The decoration of the remaining 147 personnel was done after the ceremony due to the busy schedule of the authorities.
Among the 83 decorated soldiers, were 55 Private soldiers promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal, 19 soldiers promoted from Lance Corporal to Corporal, 8 Corporal promoted to Sergeants and one another person.
In his opening remarks, the commanding officer 3 Infantry Battalion Basse Barracks, Colonel Sarjo Jarju, updated the authorities about some of their activities within the region.
He updated the authorities present on some of the activities undertaken by the military including joint border patrol with sister forces as well as conducting cleansing exercises in the area.
“Military culture emphasizes discipline, loyalty, regimentation and order” he said.
Colonel Jarju his profound gratitude to the highest authority of the Gambia National Army for the high number of promotions.
“On behalf of the entire Gambia Armed Forces, I sincerely register my profound gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the commander in-chief of the Gambia Armed Forces, President Adama Barrow, CDS Yankuba Drammeh, commander Gambia National Army for their approval of this huge promotion,” he said.
The Commander Gambia National Army, Brigadier General Ousman Gomez, who was the chief guest of honour at decoration ceremony, said the ceremony was a historical one because it was the first of its kind in the Gambia National Army that a battalion registered promotions up to more than 200.
He said this is part of efforts aimed at transforming the Gambia Armed Forces.
“For the simple fact that we are conducting this long awaiting ceremony today and with the representation of neighbouring forces, sister services, civilian authorities and partners is a clear testimony that we as land forces must always collaborate and coordinate with stakeholders in order for us to realize our desire,” he said.
