Fifty-six (56) officer candidates on Monday, December 29, 2025 graduated from the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Officer Candidate School (OCS). The event 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 Minister of National Defense along with her deputies and assistant ministers.
The graduation exercise marked the successful completion of a 13-week rigorous training package primarily focused on topics covering individual skills, doctrine, the craft of officership as well as land navigation, field leadership and professionalism.
Making special remarks at the ceremony, the Minister of National Defense, Geraldine Janet George-Johnson, described the graduation as a reaffirmation of covenant of service between the Republic of Liberia and those who have chosen to defend the country’s integrity, uphold the Constitution and protect the people with honor and discipline.
Minister 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 the Constitution.
The Defense boss used the occasion to reassure the men and women of the AFL that the Government of Liberia (GOL), through the Ministry of National Defense, remains unwavering in advancing the mandate of the AFL and ensuring 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 (AFL), 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 exemplified not only with words, but in action and in character,” COS Forleh observed.
In attendance also was the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, 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.”
The Officer Candidate School (OCS) is designed to assess candidates’ leadership potential, physical fitness, and mental agility. Candidates go through trainings that include the 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. They are expected to be commissioned to the rank of 2nd Lieutenants.
