JPM commissions 422 army officers to the rank of second lieutenant

What you need to know:

  • The event was coloured by a brass band show as well as a silent drill in which soldiers performed a number of choreographed manoeuvres without sound commands.

Dar es Salaam. President John Magufuli and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on Saturday September 22 commissioned 422 army officers to the rank of second lieutenant at a ceremony held at the Sheikh Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium in Arusha.

The event was coloured by a brass band show as well as a silent drill in which soldiers performed a number of choreographed manoeuvres without sound commands.

This was the first time for the event to be held at the public stadium instead of the Tanzania Military Academy (TMA) in Monduli District, Arusha Region.

On January 23, last year, President Magufuli commissioned 205 army officers at the TMA venue, but the following events on November 26, 2016 and February 18 this year were held at the State House in Dar es Salaam.

Before commissioning the 422 army officers, Dr Magufuli inspected a guard of honour. He also presented special awards to outstanding soldiers, Hamis Mwanitega emerging the overall best trainee.

Other officers, who were awarded were Haji Kimaro for performing well in class, John Mkua excelled in field and Donatia Kimario emerged the best female performer.

Others are Gasper Soka, who was the best in Naval Army forces and Ally Kitawala, the best navy academic performer.

From the Aviation Military Force, the best trainees were Hamza Msuya and Albert Fanuel.