Burundi’s 417 Non-commissioned Officers Complete 2-Year Course

The Burundi Army (Force de Défense Nationale du Burundi (FDNB) has showcased a batch of 417 Non-commissioned Officers that have officially joined its rank and after successfully completing a gruelling 2-year course.

The Non-commissioned Officers have spent two years of training at L’École des Sous-Officiers (ESO).

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jean Bosco Bazombanza, Commander of the Non-Commissioned Officers School (ESO), the new graduates are part of the 53rd intake at the facility.

This institution hosts active military personnel as well as civilians in order to equip them with the necessary skills to assume the responsibilities of Section Chiefs.

The training included, Martial arts karate for self defense, tactical combat skills, obstacle course, use of different weapons among others all aimed at preparing them for the difficult situations they might face during their military career.

Chief of the Burundi National Defense Force (BNDF), General Prime Niyongabo, said that the 441 graduates who successfully completed the training bear witness to the transformation of the country’s army.

Gen. Niyongabo said that the graduates should now ready to sacrifice themselves for the defense of the nation.

However, Niyongabo reminded them that the profession of arms demands self-giving, constant moral courage, and a steady will to learn, for basic training alone is not enough to accomplish the great missions of a military career.