The Namibia Defence Force (NDF) has officially opened its 18th intake training programme of over 1,600 recruits.

As the recruits took their first steps into military life, Brigadier General Thomas Ngotipeni Showa, the commandant of the NDF Training Establishment, reminded them of their responsibilities, sacrifices, and honours that come with the uniform.

"Let us all remember the gravity of the calling you've accepted. May you face every challenge with determination and grow stronger in character, skill, and spirit. Let me assure you that the training will be tough and intense, and so it will need a high standard of discipline, cooperation, teamwork and commitment."

Officiating at the opening of the training intake, the Chief of the NDF, Air Marshall Martin Pinehas, expressed pride in the voluntary spirit of the new recruits, highlighting their demographic diversity and the important role they are set to play.

"Among you are 1,300 and plus males and 361 or so females. We are happy that you have volunteered. You have volunteered yourselves to come and receive training and eventually, after you have completed your training, of course, join the Namibian Defence Force. Congratulations."

He said the recruits are not just joining an institution; they are stepping onto a mission entrusted to the Defence Force by the nation, which is to protect the country's sovereignty, its people, and its interests.

"This mission has been assigned to the Namibian Defence Force by the people of Namibia, the people we are going to serve, to defend the territorial integrity of the Republic of Namibia, the people of Namibia and their property, and our national interests."