OFFICERS in the Zambia National Service (ZNS) should advance professional qualifications to remain relevant to the defense wing.
ZNS Commander Maliti Solochi says officers will enhance efficiency and effectiveness in their military career when they improve on their qualifications.
Lieutenant General Solochi said officers should seriously place premium on the value of education in their careers.
”The beauty about education is that you can never be told old for it, so I encourage you to upgrade your professional qualifications if you are to boost your relevance to the service.
Command has a highly ambitious vision for the service,” Lt Gen Solochi said.
He said this in a speech read on his behalf by ZNS chief of health services, Brigadier General, Ernest Chisoko.
This was on Friday evening at the 10th, anniversary celebrations for intake three of 2012.
Lt Gen Solochi reminded the officers on the need to keep fit by engaging in regular exercises and sports activities.
”Command shall continue to promote your health as well as your welfare in general.
However, it is incumbent upon each one of you to promote your individual well-being, this can be done by continuously engaging in exercises and participating in sports activities,” he said.
Lt Gen Solochi also urged the officers to maintain high levels of discipline, be loyal to the government of day and not to be engaged in active politics.
Intake three of 2012 chairperson Wamunyima Chingumbe commended command for the support rendered to the officers in the last 10 years.
”The journey undertaken in the last decade started on July 4, 2012 when we were enlisted at ZNS Kafue training school.
We are grateful to our course officers and instructors who always desired the best to come out of us,” Colonel Chingumbe said.
He said the Intake members have worked hard and been dedicated to duty.
Colonel Chingumbe said the officers have grappled with challenges and emergencies but have chosen not to surrender.
”We have seen everything, achievements and disappointments, highs and lows, festivities and emergencies.
The institution we belong to plays a pivotal role in the development of our country, it is our desire to buy into the vision of command and contribute to national development,” he said.
Intake three of 2012 had 136 officers on commissioning, three have died, three separated with the service on disciplinary grounds.
One separated with the service on medical grounds and one voluntary separation.
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