Resettlement guide drafted for ex-servicemen

Soldiers in particular and personnel of Defence Forces in general, are generally faced with occupational challenges when they retire. Having been trained to manipulate guns and military equipment and doing so all through their careers, reintegrating civilian life is often a nightmare for several soldiers during retirement as they are ill-equipped to initiate other activities.

It was against this backdrop that a draft guide for the resettlement of ex-servicemen and war victims in view of their rapid and harmonious reintegration into public life was drafted during a four-day seminar involving several senior officers from various corps of the defence forces.

Closing the workshop on Friday, October 30, 2015, the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Defence in charge of Ex-servicemen and War Victims, Koumpa Issa, said the draft guide will be submitted to the high command for approval after which it will be vulgarised.

“We hope that the principle will be attained when instead of receiving applications for extension of work, the high command will be flooded by requests for anticipated retirement,” he stated.

Presenting the draft guide before the award of participation testimonials, the Director of Resettlement and Assistance in the Secretariat of Defence in charge of Ex-servicemen and War Victims, Colonel Abba Tongari, said the draft guide defines the itinerary of resettlement, amongst others and spells out modalities for assisting military people until retirement.

“Before now, the soldier was left on his own until retirement to fend for his survival. Now, he is groomed and receives training with the participation of his unit and headquarters,” he said, adding that assistance for resettlement is also envisaged.

In appreciation of the work done, Koumpa Issa invited the participants to also join ongoing brainstorming for the drafting of other documents aimed at improving livelihoods of soldiers such as a follow-up strategy for welfare and assistance of ex-servicemen and war victims as well as the development of a master plan for their socio-professional reintegration.