President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mohamed Nasheed has commissioned 38 new officers who completed the first officer candidate course conducted by the Officer Training Wing of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

 
Speaking at the passing out parade of the officers who completed the officer candidate course held at Girifushi, the President said the government’s aim was to create a well trained and professional defence force in the Maldives.
 
Saying that days of appointing army officers and higher ranks at the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief were over, the President noted that officers were now appointed based on their merit, military skill, leadership and capability.
 
However, he said, until now officers were trained abroad, and completion of the first officer candidate course marked a new beginning in training officers and leaders required for the MNDF.
 
At this afternoon’s ceremony, the President presented the sword to the 38 officers commissioned today. He also presented the special shields and prizes to the highest achievers of the officer candidate course.