Defence Forces: Promoted personnel receive epaulettes

Thousands of people thronged the Yaounde Military Headqurters’ Brigade to witness the elevation of hundreds of military personnel into superior grades. The ceremony in a typical military style began with the arrival of the Secretary of State in charge of the National Gendarmerie, Jean Baptiste Bokam, who presided over the epaulette award ceremony on behalf of the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence.

After the singing of the National Anthem, the Gendarmerie boss inspected the guard of honour before taking his seat at the tribune where a host of cabinet ministers, diplomatic corps, and superior military officers amongst other dignitaries sat to witness the colourful event.

After the reading of the December 23, 2015 Presidential Decree promoting the military officers to superior grades, the laureates lined out to be decorated with new ranks with the highest promoted to Colonels.

The next to be awarded new epaulettes were senior sub officer with the highest being Major Chief Warrant officer who received their new grades from the hands of the newly promoted officers. They intend affixed new epaulettes on the shoulders of newly promoted junior sub officer.The most exciting moment was the award of epaulette to the soldiers of rank and file with just one candidate Bote Petit Jean raised to Corporal in a spectacular way.

The young Air force Corporal hailed his hierarchy for the recognition and attributed his promotion to hardwork and discipline. Same words were expressed by BriceMimbolo raised to the rank of Major in the National Gendarmerie. A colourful military march past and merriments drew curtains on the event.