New BDF boss warns on poor army conditions
Tefo Pheage | Friday September 2, 2016 15:26
“My focus as Commander of the BDF shall be in the five key areas of capability, improvement of our conditions of service, the finalisation of the BDF Act review and the provision of ready trained forces all underpinned by our values,” he said in his remarks following the change of command.
Segokgo warned that no military could ever provide credible defence deterrence without taking care of its people. “The welfare of our nation should remain an enduring principle of our defence strategy. Young Batswana continue to join the BDF because they are convinced of the underlying ideals of our country- a free and democratic people committed to the national principles of democracy, development, self-reliance and unity,” he said. The incoming commander says the BDF must ensure that these ideals are exemplified by rewarding the patriotism and loyalty of our men and women in uniform and their civilian counterparts with a defence force committed to their conditions of service.
“Furthermore as members of this defence force we must be guided by the values that we have set out for ourselves. These values are the bedrock of ensuring that we remain true to our nation and its aspirations. It is therefore pivotal that we again reaffirm our commitment to these values being duty, integrity, esprit de corpse and discipline,” he emphasised.
The commander said in doing so, “our nation will rest at ease knowing that we commit ourselves to our sense of duty to them, our professional integrity in our conduct, the team work or cohesion within us and the discipline we shall exercise at all times”. Segokgo praised his predecessor, Galebotswe as a man who allowed him to grow by always listening and implementing his advices. “For me it has been an enriching period during which I had unrestrained opportunities of rendering my considered advice with full confidence that I shall be listened to and a very well reflected response given,” he said before thanking President Ian Khama for the trust he has placed upon him.
For his part, the outgoing Commander said he leaves the BDF a happy man after 33 years of service and thanked Khama for the trust he bestowed on him to serve the country’s army.