POMP and fanfare coloured the commissioning of 236 officer cadets who graduated at the Tanzania Military Academy (TMA) in Monduli, an event graced by the commander-in-chief, President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The graduates are commissioned cadet officers awarded the rank of second lieutenant, which the college administrators said included the 5/2021 batch for the military science degree (BMS) and the 71/23 (regular) class.

Before conferring the commissions, the president inspected a parade by the cadet officers, made up of 196 men and 40 women cadets.

The 5/2021 BMS class had 75 cadets completing three years of training at the academy and earning degrees, while in the 71/23 regular class, 95 officers completed one year of training, and 88 officers received military science training in friendly African countries and beyond.

The first military science degree was awarded to 75 new officers, including 53 men and 22 women, while President Samia presented awards to officers who excelled in various fields. In the 5/2021 BMS class, the top performer was Second Lieutenant Cloud Ndaiga, administrative officials said.

In academic performance, Second Lieutenant Xavery Malobana was handed the honour, while the best in military tactics was Second Lieutenant Kelvin Adrian, they said.

The best officer from a friendly country was Second Lieutenant Thabi Masuku from Eswatini, while for the 71/23 regular class, the top performer was Second Lieutenant John Bahati. Second Lieutenant Charles Charles excelled in academics and the best in military tactics was Second Lieutenant Apha Gustav.

Dr Stergomena Tax, the Defense and National Service minister, emphasized the importance of military science degree training not only for the army but for the nation as a whole.

“The importance of this training is evident in the army's efficiency in executing its duties. It equips officers with the skills needed to conduct military operations and prepares them to become leaders with the ethics, discipline and expertise to lead the armed forces,” she stated.

The training fosters patriotic leadership capable of safeguarding the nation's borders and addressing internal and external threats, she said, noting that in the broader context, the training strengthens the army and the nation, contributing to peace, security, plus social and economic development.

Major General Jackson Mwaseba, the TMA commandant, reminded the graduates of the significant financial and resource investments made by the nation in their education.

He emphasized that the graduates have a responsibility to use their knowledge to benefit both the army and the nation.

“The nation needs educated individuals with patriotism, discipline and good morals who will help build our country on sustainable foundations, he said.

The graduates now have a great responsibility to use the knowledge gained to fulfil their duties in practice, he added.