August 8,2025 -Camp Sandee Ware Military Barracks, Careysburg – The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) is set to graduate the second iteration of its Basic Leadership Course (BLC) Class 02-25, producing 40 well-prepared Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) ready to take on greater responsibilities within the force.
The BLC, the first of four progressive stages in the AFL’s NCO leadership development pathway, precedes the Advanced Leadership Course (ALC), Senior Leadership Course (SLC), and the Sergeant Major Academy. Designed to bridge the gap between enlisted personnel and commissioned officers, the course equips soldiers with the leadership, technical, and tactical skills needed for mission success.
Core leadership traits emphasized include integrity, professional competence, discipline, communication skills, empathy, adaptability, and leading by example.
Colonel Kezzelee G. Gwesa, Commandant of the Armed Forces Training Command (AFTC), told the graduates that the BLC is “not merely a classroom program, but a transformative experience” blending theory, field exercises, and mentorship. “The course develops leaders who are prepared to enforce standards, make sound decisions, and inspire the soldiers they lead,” Col. Gwesa said.
As the AFL celebrates these soon-to-be NCO leaders, their achievement signals not just the completion of a program, but the beginning of a pivotal chapter in their careers—one where they will serve as the backbone of the force, ensuring discipline, mission readiness, and the preservation of the AFL’s proud traditions.
The BLC remains a cornerstone of the AFL’s commitment to professional growth, effective leadership, and national service. With every graduating class, the force strengthens its motto: “AFL, A Force for Good.”
— Reported by SSG Tokpah John Wellington, Public Affairs, Armed Forces Training Command
