Monrovia – The Armed Forces Training Command, of the Armed Forces of Liberia has graduated 40 personnel of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) after nearly two months of intensive training at the Camp Sandee Ware Military Barracks in Careysburg, Montserrado County.
The graduates are part of batch two of the Counter Assault team of the Executive Protection Service comprising of 37 males and three females.
They underwent specialized training in both practical and theoretical drills which included Combat Patrol, Reflective Firing, Battle Drills, Hand to Hand Combat, First Aid, Security Communication, and VIP Protection, among others.
Presenting the graduates the Commandant of the Armed Forces Training Command of the Armed Forces of Liberia LT. COL. Kesselly Gwesa said the Armed Forces of Liberia is always prepared to share its maneuvering knowledge with the EPS and all Paramilitary institution for the protection of Liberia.
He said the Armed Forces Training Command envisaged that more courses such as Advance Security Communication, Field Training Exercise (FTX), and Physical Exercise will be included in the training package.
He called on the graduates to keep in minds at all times the responsibility they have taken over, stressing that it comes with discipline and commitment to duty.
For his part, the keynote Speaker of the Graduation Exercise of the Counter Assault Team (CAT) of the Executive Protection Service Robert Miller reminded the graduates of the important role they have to play in the country’s democratic process along with other security agencies in the country. He said the EPS contributes enormously to the maintenance of a peaceful and stable Liberia.
Commenting on the use of force he encourages the graduates to be mindful in protecting the presidency and controlling the flow of ordinary citizens around the VIP.
He said the duty to serve and protect means that they should treat people equally, avoid discrimination and make sure in the exercise of their duty that the laws apply to all persons, at all times and equally.
Mr. Miller called on the graduates to embrace each other while performing their duties. Indicating that if they are to succeed they must work as a team by protecting each other.
Also speaking Armed Forces of Liberia Deputy Chief of Staff B/Gen. Geraldine George stressed the preparedness of the AFL to continue working with other security apparatus in the country for the common good of the Liberian society and its people.
The AFL deputy Chief of Staff called on the EPS Leadership to control the usage of different uniforms by agents of the EPS. She said the usage of different uniforms by agents while on duty is confusing especially in these times of global threats.