The Namibian Defense Force has begun training its 1,458 cadet officers and recruits.

The opening ceremony took place at the Namibia Defense Force Training Establishment, also known as the Osona Military School, outside of Okahandja.

The opening of the 10th intake regular commissioning course and the 16th intake recruit training saw both cadet officers and recruits warned about the difficult road ahead.

Chief of the Namibian Defense Force, Air Marshal Martin Pinehas, says the group will be trained under the NDF's motto, "Train hard, fight easy."

This implies that training will be vicious and demanding, which will give them the capacity to cope with the hardships of war with confidence and ease.

"This is not going to be easy for anyone. It's never meant to be easy because a soldier's life is a difficult one. This is not employment, this is a noble calling, and you're going to be put to the test starting today."

Air Marshal Pinehas says being a soldier requires one to put their life on the line for the country's defense, and those not ready to do that may not be cut out for it.

"We expect you to respect the rules and orders of the military. We expect you to continuously meet the requirements of the training. Failure to do so will render you into going back to your respective constituencies where you came from."

The commandant of the NDF's training establishment, Brigadier General Thomas Showa, says the time has come for young Namibians to take the lead.

"We need to start trusting the youth to take over from us; we are now ageing, and we need to empower the youth. By giving them opportunities, they become energetic. Cadets and recruits, the day that you have been dreaming about have come for you to become proud defenders of Namibia."

The cadets and recruits will train for six months.