IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS of Tuesday, April 27, 2026, courageous young Liberians stormed the Barclay Training Center (BTC) which is now Defense Headquarters of the Republic of Liberia. They patiently and steadfastly stood in long lines. Their purpose and anticipated mission are to enlist in the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) in order to serve their country. The recruitment process which started on Monday, April 26, 2026 will continue through June 2026. The recruitment process and the enthusiasm of the young men and women to sign on to serve their country is very commendable. May God continue to safeguard our country with these brave sons and daughters of the Motherland. It takes a lot of sacrifice for anyone to sign on to serve his or her country and those who do are the best among us. They must see themselves as people who are entrusted with the responsibility to serve their country and its people.
WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE goal of this recruitment process which started on April 27, 2026 is between 600–650, a number which we think is small, given the challenging time we live in. As we understand from the Ministry of National Defense involves physical, medical, and academic screenings, focusing on candidates of ages 18–35 with a high school diploma or higher. This is commendable. This represents the modern army where education is strongly emphasized. Such army will understand their duty and mission to the nation.
WHILE THE ISSUE OF RECRUITMENT for more service men for the army worths our appreciation, it is equally important to stress the need for more men and women for the army and paramilitary units and other important organs of the security sector such as the Liberia Immigration Service, the Liberia National Fire Service ( LNFS), and the Liberia National Police ( LNP). This is very important due to inadequate or limited manpower in curtailing the illicit drugs that are coming into our country which post more danger to the security and the wellbeing of our citizens.
WE AT THE PUBLIC AGENDA recommend 3,000 to 4,500 men and women to beef up the current number which stands at 2000. The government should activate the various military barracks including those in the various counties in order to accommodate the growing number of service men and women.
WE ARE CONVINCED THAT THIS current AFL has an admirable degree of education and sophistication as compared to prewar army which did not put much emphasis on education. Setting the minimum qualification with high school graduation is commendable. We trust that the new army is up task with the challenges of our time. The new army must take into consideration our position in the global village and in the digital age. Our new recruits must learn skills they can use at all times in and out of the military.
AS THE AFL HIGH Command has divided Liberia into regions, it will be prudent for the new recruits, upon the completion of their training, be assigned in various parts of the instead of bringing them all to Monrovia. It will be to their advantage if they are assigned to different parts of the country. That will help them to appreciate the landscape and the cultural diversity of the country they are serving.
