By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Major General AI Bangura, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), wrapped up his inaugural visit to the 4th Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Makeni. During the visit, Major General Bangura delivered an important address to the troops, highlighting significant reforms, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, and addressing critical welfare concerns for personnel within the armed forces.
In his address, Major General Bangura focused on the strides he had made in his first 100 days in office, particularly the ongoing reforms within the RSLAF. His speech drew attention to the structure and policies that have been implemented since he assumed the position of CDS. One of the key points he emphasized was the introduction of the Tri-Service structure, which aims to strengthen the coordination between the army, navy, and air force, making RSLAF a more unified and effective fighting force.
The CDS also stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and respect within the military, reiterating the need for soldiers to adhere to the chain of command; and he emphasized that his own leadership style, which was forged during his tenure as a Brigade Commander at the 4th Infantry Brigade, had shaped his approach as the CDS. He conveyed that respect for hierarchy and discipline within the ranks is essential to ensuring the professionalism and efficiency of the RSLAF.
In line with his commitment to improving professionalism within the force, Major General Bangura spoke at length about the crucial role that training plays in the development of a competent military. Recognizing the efforts of instructors who shape the soldiers’ skills and capabilities, the CDS announced that instructors would now be provided with financial incentives. Officers would receive a thousand Leones (NLe 1,000.00) along with a 25kg bag of rice, while other ranks would receive seven hundred and fifty Leones (NLe 750.00) in addition to a 25kg bag of rice, an initiative aiming to boost morale among instructors and ensure that they are motivated to continue imparting knowledge and skills to soldiers under their command.
Furthermore, Major General Bangura took the opportunity to announce a series of welfare initiatives for the troops. In a significant move to improve living conditions, he sanctioned the digging of a borehole for the personnel stationed at 11 Infantry Battalion in Kambia, a decision expected to greatly benefit the troops stationed at the location, providing them with a much-needed source of clean water. In addition, the CDS generously donated 50 bags of cement to the 12th Infantry Battalion in Kabala, contributing to their ongoing church construction project, which is part of an effort to improve community relations and infrastructure.
The Commander of the 4th Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General A. Jusu, welcomed the CDS to Makeni, extending his gratitude on behalf of the officers, men, and women of the Brigade.
Brigadier General Jusu also praised Major General Bangura for his leadership and commitment to improving the welfare and professionalism of the RSLAF.
To mark the conclusion of his visit, Major General Bangura was warmly received by the Teko Barracks Armed Forces Wives Cooperative Society, who celebrated his visit with traditional dancing, adding a joyful and spirited climax to the event.
Major General Bangura’s visit to the 4th Infantry Brigade iss an important milestone in his tenure as CDS, highlighting both his leadership style and his commitment to the well-being of the men and women who serve in Sierra Leone’s armed forces. With an emphasis on reform, training, and welfare, the CDS is working toward building a stronger and more professional military that is capable of meeting the challenges of the future.
