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Staff Reporter January 2, 2026Last Updated: January 2, 2026

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Barclay Training Center, UN Drive, Monrovia

December 29, 2025

Fifty Six (56) Officer candidates on Monday. December 29 graduated from the #Armed Forces of Liberia Officer Candidate School(OCS), a colorful event that was held at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) in Monrovia.

The occasion witnessed the convergence of families and friends of the graduates, senior Government officials, the High Command of the AFL, and the Honorable Minister of National Defense along with her Deputies and Assistant Ministers.

The graduation exercise marks the successful completion of a 13-week rigorous training package primarily focusing on topics covering individual #skills, #doctrine, the craft of #officership and as well as #land_navigation, #FieldLeadership and #professionalism

Making special remarks at the ceremony, the country’s Defense Minister described the graduation as a reaffirmation of #convenant_of_service between the Republic of Liberia and those who have chosen to the defend the country’s integrity, uphold the constitution and protect the people with #honor and #discipline.

Minister Geraldine Janet George-Johnson reminded the graduates who are all prospective leaders of the Armed Forces that leadership demands #moral_courage, #sound_judgement and respect for civilian authorities, and with absolute respect for Liberia’s Constitution.

The Defense Boss used the occasion to reassure the men and women of the Armed Forces that the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of National Defense remains unwavering in advancing the mandate of the AFL and ensure that the force is #capable #Credible, and #respected at home and abroad.

For his part, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, Maj Gen Davidson F. Forleh reminded the officer candidates that they are a reflection of values and positive image of the Armed Forces:

“As you move forward, remember that the Armed Forces of Liberia depends on your conduct, judgement, and professionalism. The nation entrusts you with its peace, stability, and security – all of which must be exemplied not only with words, but in action, and in character” – COS Forleh lamented.

In attendance also was the Minister of Finance Augustine K. Ngafuan who proxied for the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, H.E @Joseph N. Boakai, Sr.

Minister Ngafuan told the congregation of graduates, well-wishers and friends, and the scores of government officials and partners present that the graduation signals that Liberia is rebuilding its national institutions #quietly, #deliberately, and with #discipline.

He admonished the graduates to lead with empathy, discipline and professionalism, emphasizing that “leadership in uniform must be grounded in service, sacrifice, and integrity.”

ABOUT THE OFFICER CANDIDATE SCHOOL (OCS)

The program is designed to assess candidates’ leadership potential, physical fitness, and mental agility. Candidates go through trainings that include a combination of classroom instruction, physical training, field exercises and a live firing exercise – all tailored to enhance their preparedness to assume leadership roles.

The 56 Officer candidates were composed of 31 combat soldiers and 25 professionals, most of whom are medical doctors, and they are expected to be commissioned to the rank of 2nd Lieutenants.

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