Chief of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) Air Marshal Martin Pinehas wants more defence training institutions.
Pinehas made this call as he was officiating the 18th intake of the Junior Staff Course graduation ceremony at Namibia Command and Staff College, in Okahandja.
Air Marshal Pinehas underscored the necessity to establish more prestigious institutions to pursue a competent national defence force.
The Chief of Defence Force said Namibia, in particular the Namibia Command and Staff College, has become a centre of attraction to many SADC member states.
This means Namibia should expect more students from other national defences to enrol in military qualifications within the NDF academies.
Defence academies are poised to produce not only leadership but must also shape military professions to fit in the contemporary world.
"A defence force that is not up-to-date in terms of knowledge and skills is a defence force that is heading for a disaster. Recognising this reality and importance, we in the Namibian Defence Force have decided to establish institutions of training for our officers and other officers from other SADC countries and beyond."
The Defence Chief awarded 23 graduates with a Diploma in Military Science level 6.
Among the 23 graduates, two are from the Zambia Defence Services, who also demonstrated outstanding performance during the course.
Air Marshal Pinehas urges graduates to cultivate a moral compass in whatever they do.
"As a military force, you must be guided by professionalism. Anywhere you go, on or off duty, professionalism is key. When you deal with the public, the public must feel that they are dealing with somebody who is not just civilised but somebody professional. In your conduct, the way you speak to the members of the public, the way you advise them, and so on."
The Junior Staff Course is one of the programmes offered by Namibia Command and Staff College.
The programme is designed to prepare selected officers for Grade 3 Staff Appointments as well as relevant Regimental duties.
The Junior Staff course is more predominant in the fields of military aspects and geopolitical studies.
During the assessment, students are required to conduct a commandant's research paper and provide recommendations on issues affecting the NDF.